Bermuda AIDS activist Rev. David Chisling.

And the Hon. Quinton Edness urged Rev. Chisling to reconsider quitting the Island.

"He's God's champion. Bermuda will be much the poorer without him,'' he declared.

Mr. Edness voiced dismay at reports Rev. Chisling, pastor in Southampton, was targeted by members of his Methodist congregation.

"They are kicking him off the Island if all the reports are right. That is not right.'' Meanwhile, it was revealed yesterday talks were being held to smooth over the row threatening to tear Bermuda's Methodist churches apart.

For months congregations at Somerset and Cobbs Hill Church have been considering cutting ties with the Bermuda Synod.

The Methodists are at odds over many issues, including the church's teachings.

Some complain about a drift away from Biblical doctrines.

And they have called for Bermuda to sever links with the United Church of Canada -- viewed as too liberal.

Earlier this year, local congregations voted to keep the Bermuda-Canada link.

Yesterday Mr. Leo Mills, chairman of the Bermuda Synod, said talks were being held to unite the congregations.

He said the Synod was in touch with congregations at Somerset and Cobbs Hill.

And he was hopeful about the future of Bermuda's Methodists.

"I don't want to look into the future, but I anticipate the Methodist Church in Bermuda going from strength to strength.

"I hope the differences that exist will be resolved. I believe we are in the healing process.'' Mr. Mills was reluctant to comment on the proposed departure of Rev. Chisling.

He added it was for a congregation to act in the way it saw fit if a relationship with a minister deteriorated.

Mr. Mills, however, said to say Rev. Chisling was being kicked out of Bermuda was to use "unnecessarily extravagant'' language.

And he noted Mr. Edness' remarks had been based on reports of an alleged move to oust Rev. Chisling.

"Mr. Edness is right to use the caveat -- if the reports about Rev. Chisling are correct.'' Mr. Edness yesterday stressed he had no personal knowledge about Rev.

Chisling's reasons for leaving.

But he said Bermuda would be the poorer for his absence.

Mr. Edness said Rev. Chisling, pastor of the Port Royal circuit and a chaplain at Agape House, had played a key role in helping AIDS patients. "That man, in the time he has been here, has done outstanding work for Bermuda.

"He has demonstrated compassion, working with people many other people in the community would not work with.

"Almost the forgotten people. Like AIDS patients whether they are straight or gay.

"To my mind this man has been exemplary in carrying out what has been described as the Lord's work.'' Mr. Edness added: "I would hate to see a person like him leave the community because there seems to be a philosophical disagreement.

"I hope he changes his mind. We need people like him.'' Yesterday Rev. Chisling, who plans to leave at the end of September, declined to comment.