Trier, Germany  - A German priest known for his outspoken views against the Church is to continue working in South Africa, his home diocese in the German city of Trier announced on Tuesday.

Stefan Hippler, a Catholic priest for the German community in Cape Town, is to remain in his post for a further five years after an agreement was reached between the dioceses of Trier and Cape Town.

The 49-year-old has previously criticized the Church in the fight against AIDS and spoken out in favour of condom use, against Church edicts.

The priest, from the German town of Bitburg, has been working in Africa since 1997.

His contract, which expires at the end of September, was not extended. Instead, a special arrangement was put in place for him to remain involved in the community and continue working in his AIDS centre, Hope Cape Town.

"Despite his critical statements, Hippler has earned great achievements with his work," said a spokesman for the diocese of Trier. (dpa)