'Vicar of Baghdad' Canon Andrew White has been suspended from his role as president of the Foundation for Relief and Reconciliation in the Middle East (FRRME).

White wrote on his Facebook page that his suspension was "in response to some inaccurate statements I made about our work with and funding for the former slave girls taken by ISIS".

FRRME, which White founded "to provide spiritual and material relief to refugees displaced by violent upheaval", said he has been suspended with pay pending the findings of a Charity Commission Statutory Enquiry.

"The Foundation is cooperating fully with the appropriate authorities," it said in a statement.

"It would be inappropriate to comment further on an active investigation other than to say that the Foundation believes at this stage that the alleged incident stemmed from a genuine desire by Canon White to help others."

In his Facebook post White said: "What is clear is that at no time did we pay money to any terrorists.

"Whilst I cannot work on behalf of the FRRME I continue to lead worship and support individuals that we are helping."

White asked his Facebook followers to "pray for us at this very difficult time".