Church stressed yesterday.

The woman, who asked that her named not be used, was reacting to news that Progressive Labour Party candidate Mr. Arthur Pitcher and possibly other PLP representatives will, on Sunday, attend the church in the St. David's area where he is running.

The visit is expected to be one of many visits the PLP promised to make to churches to find out constituents needs.

PLP Warwick candidates Dr. Ewart Brown and Mr. Calvin Smith have already visited several churches in the parish. And they said this was to continue throughout the Island.

But the concerned St. Luke's member said: "I think politics should be left out of church because church is suppose to be a place for peacefully worshipping God, not gaining votes.

"Politics should not be pushed down people's throats.'' The woman noted that the church recently celebrated its 106th anniversary.

"And nobody appreciated that,'' she said. "Now everybody is swarming around because of the election.

While pointing out that UBP MP Mrs. Grace Bell is an organist at the church, the woman said: "She has never used her political position for any political gain.

"Yet Arthur Pitcher, who is not a member of the church, wants to come there for political reasons. Politics and the church should be separate.'' But the church's minister the Rev. Leonard Santucci told The Royal Gazette he had no concerns about anyone visiting the church as long as they were going to worship.

"I was approached by a representative of the PLP to inform me that they intended to worship with us on August 22 (tomorrow),'' Rev. Santucci said. "I told them I do not have any problem with that.

"The Church is the home of God and everyone is welcome if they are coming to worship.

"They are coming to my church to my knowledge to worship. What they do after the service in greeting members is their business.

"And as it relates to the politics of it all, as a member of the United Bermuda Party and their campaign party, I have no objections.

"My members, at the same time, are entitled to their opinion.

"As the pastor I do not believe we all need to think and act alike.'' Rev. Santucci also said party politics has always been a non-church issue at St. Luke's.

"We are aware that we all have different political affiliations. But we don't discuss that at church, he said.

"So if that (getting the political views of members) was their intention, the PLP would be better off not making it an issue because it would be divisive.'' Rev. Santucci noted that Mrs. Bell, who represents St. George's South, is an accomplished organist at the church.

But, he said, she has never used her position as a UBP MP in the church.

And while noting that Mr. Pitcher has not been an active member of the church, Rev. Santucci said he would not question the St. George's South hopeful's reasons for attending this Sunday.