Toronto pastor Brent Hawkes who is facing allegations of sex crimes from four decades ago has addressed his congregation for the first time.

Hawkes told the Metropolitan Community Church that he is innocent and intends to fight the allegations with everything he has. He said the last week had been "very difficult" for him but he has not lost faith in the Canadian justice system and believes he will be fully cleared.

He said: "For 38 years I have fought with all I have had for equality for our community now I will fight these allegations with all I have. This time, however, my fight will be different. This time I will allow my lawyers to give me a voice. I wish I could say more but everything I have to say will now be said in court."

Hawkes, who was awarded the Order of Canada and is a leading gay rights campaigner, has been accused of indecent assault on a male and gross indecency sometime in 1974 or 1975 when he was a teacher in Nova Scotia.

On its website, the Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto said the alleged incident purportedly occurred prior to Hawkes becoming its pastor and no charge has been made against the church, which is not funding his legal defence.

In a statement, Hawkes said: "I want to be crystal clear: I am innocent of these allegations. The purported events simply did not take place. While it is impossible for me to understand where these almost 40 year old accusations come from, I have a faith that will sustain me as well as faith in Canada's justice system... Suffice it to say, I have lots to say. But everything I have to say will be said in court. So I know you will understand, that for now, we will have to leave things there."

The church's board of directors said: "The Board of MCC Toronto knows Rev. Hawkes as a man of high integrity and an inspirational community leader who has led MCC Toronto for 38 years in its quest for tolerance and inclusiveness. Brent has our steadfast support."