church leaders.

This follows plans to pump more funds into leadership training within the United Church of Canada (UCC).

The proposals were outlined at the 35th General Council of the UCC, with which Bermuda has historic links.

Local representatives at the Ontario meeting included Bermuda Methodist Synod chairman Mr. Leo Mills and the Rev. John Van Gulick.

The Rev. Ron Vincent, a member of the executive of the General Council, was also there from Bermuda.

On Sunday, they reported back to Synod members at Wesley Methodist Church in Hamilton.

Yesterday Mr. Mills said funding for theological education was high on the General Council's agenda.

And any decision would have a bearing on Bermudian Methodists hoping to become ordained Ministers.

"It would also affect those wanting to becoming lay pastoral Ministers,'' Mr.

Mills said.

Mr. Mills pointed out cash for training was presently provided through the UCC's Mission and Service Fund. Congregations, including those in Bermuda, made voluntary contributions.

Moves to set up an ethnic ministries division within the UCC were also discussed at the 10-day meeting in Fergus, which drew some 500 people from churches across Canada.

"The aim of the division would be to bring ethnic congregations within the UCC into a closer relationship with the main church,'' said Mr. Mills.

It was hoped the division would be up and running in about 18 months.

Another highlight of the meeting was to elect two Canadian women to senior posts within the UCC, continued Mr. Mills.

"It is the first time the senior offices have been held by a woman,'' stressed Mr. Mills.

Mr. Mills said the meeting did not focus on the controversy surrounding Bermuda's links with the UCC.

Some Bermudian Methodists want to cut ties with Canada because of the UCC's perceived liberal attitudes.

Bermuda Methodist Synod secretary Mr. Peter Hardy explained the General Council was "highest court of the Methodist Church''.