convicted of sexually assaulting a woman parishioner -- last night spoke out for the first time after what he called "a year of political and religious leprosy''.

But the former Shadow Community and Cultural Affairs Minister -- who yesterday had his conviction quashed on appeal -- insisted: "I don't feel bad at all -- in fact it has been a marvellous lesson both in humility and in being able to stand firm in the midst of tough times.'' And he declined to comment on news that lawyer Saul Froomkin QC was set to lodge an appeal against yesterday's Supreme Court decision by Chief Justice Austin Ward.

He said: "I'm obviously delighted that I have been vindicated -- I've been through three courts, Magistrates' Court, Supreme Court and the court of public opinion.

"I've certainly no comment with regard to Mr. Froomkin's decision to appeal Mr. Ward's decision.'' Mr. Woolridge thanked some of his African Methodist Episcopalian Church colleagues who stuck by him, especially the Rev. Virginia Sanders.

And he thanked political colleagues -- particularly PLP leader Jennifer Smith -- for standing by him.

He said: "What I have had for the past year has been political and religious leprosy and it requires persons of tremendous courage, who claim in the first instance to be your friend, to then stand with you in the midst of tough times, no matter how tough they may be.'' Mr. Woolridge -- who hit out at some media reports which described him as defrocked -- said he was now contemplating rebuilding his life.

He was booted from the pulpit by the AME's ruling body, but retained his religious qualifications, and quit the PLP off his own bat to become an Independent MP.

But Mr. Woolridge said: "I never resigned from the Progressive Labour Party.

The PLP obviously will need to meet and at the moment it's my intention to remain an Independent but I don't rule out having any discussions with the Opposition about opportunities to serve.'' And he added he had never ruled out the option of standing in the next election, even as an Independent.

Mr. Woolridge said he had been promised a new parish if his appeal was successful -- and did not dismiss serving in the USA.

Mr. Woolridge said: "I await now to hear from the leadership and see what appointments he will make available. There are a number of options and I have not ruled out anything.'' CHURCH CHU