Parishioners are complaining over a much loved vicar being forced out because the Bishop of Bermuda has refused to back his work permit renewal. Holy Trinity Church Vestry member Miles Outerbridge said it was appalling that Rev. Alan Tilson was being forced to go this summer. He said: ?I really don?t know why they are doing it, that?s the most frustrating thing about it.?

Reasons given by Bishop Ewan Ratteray that Rev. Tilson had been here a while and it was time to make room for Bermudians didn?t add up said Mr. Outerbridge. He said: ?What Bermudians? What about all the other opportunities in other dioceses? There are vacancies all over the place. A number of churches don?t have rectors and many have rectors past retirement age.?

Mr. Outerbridge said Canon Tilson, an Irishmen believed to be in his mid-fifties, had done a marvellous job in building a diverse congregation and thriving Sunday school.

?It really quite appalling the Bishop and the Arch Deacon have given up on him in not supporting his application.?

He said parishes used to apply for work permits but now it was done centrally.

?It?s now become more apparent that it is a power play. It?s really important a parish select a person it wants. ?There are numerous examples here of unhappy churches which have had someone thrust upon them who didn?t fit in. It?s a disaster.?

Last night Rev Tilson said he would be gone within six months but refused to be drawn further.

He said: ?I have been here for nearly 16 years and have loved nearly every moment and it is now time to move on. I don?t want to get into the politics of the church of the island.?

Rev. Tilson said he didn?t know whether he would return to Ireland.

Bishop Ratteray refused to comment but said a statement would come later.