Uniting Church reverend steps aside

The head of the Uniting Church of WA will not serve out the final four months of his three-year term after going on leave.

Moderator the Rev. Ron Larkin has been on what the church has described as special leave since May 10 for undisclosed reasons. His pre- decessor, Ken Williams, has taken over the role.

A Uniting Church spokeswoman said the Rev. Larkin was on "mutually agreed leave" but would not comment on the reasons behind it.

Steve Francis is set to replace the Rev. Larkin when his term expires in September.