The Cobbs Hill Methodist Church wants to break with the United Church of Canada after more than 60 years.

This will also mean Cobbs Hill splitting from the Bermuda Methodist Synod, which is linked to Canada.

Tonight the Synod will consider the move at its regular meeting.

It will examine how the break can be achieved -- and whether legislation needs changing.

Meanwhile, The Royal Gazette has been told of further divisions among Methodist churches.

On Sunday congregations at the Southampton and Somerset churches took important votes on their future. The churches are part of the Port Royal Methodist Circuit.

But sources claim the congregations voted to split from each other.

It was alleged Southampton's Emmanuel Methodist Church voted 25-5 to separate.

And it was claimed Wesleyan Methodist Church made the same decision following a turn-out of just five people.

It is understood the congregations also made clear whether they wished to stay tied to the United Church of Canada (UCC).

Members of the Bermuda Synod, however, this week declined to confirm the outcome of the votes.

Last year the Island's Methodist churches were embroiled in turmoil over their Canadian links.

In a referendum, they voted overwhelmingly in favour of keeping these ties.

But Methodists angered by the decision vowed to keep up their fight.

They have been dismayed by the perceived liberal attitudes of the UCC, which they claim, have veered from Bible doctrines.

Problems are believed to have begun when British Columbia allowed the ordination of a homosexual.

Controversy, too, surrounded the departure from Bermuda of Canadian minister Rev. David Chisling, a Port Royal circuit pastor.

It was reported he dismayed members of his Methodist congregation because of his liberal views.

Rev. Chisling has since been replaced by an interim Canadian Minister the Rev.

John Van Gulick.

Bermuda Synod secretary Mr. Peter Hardy pointed out Rev. Gulick had been appointed for two years.

He said Rev. Gulick was working in a "conciliatory and healing'' capacity. It was hoped he would heal rifts in the congregations in Southampton and Somerset.

Sunday's vote was part of the process of re-examination and assessment.

It was aimed at deciding whether the congregations wanted to remain together as a circuit, said Mr. Hardy.

He added their feelings towards the UCC were also sought.

"There were two questions they were dealing with.'' Mr. Hardy, however, said it would be premature to disclose the outcome of the votes. The Synod had to be told first.

The Synod would also consider how to cut links with Cobbs Hill Church.

Cobbs Hill made up their mind to leave the UCC when they voted at last year's referendum, said Mr. Hardy.

"We are currently working with the Cobbs Hill Church to see how best the administration process can be effected, to assist them to leave the United Church of Canada.'' He added: "It is all part of an ongoing process.'' Mr. Hardy said Cobbs Hill would have to leave the Synod when it cut ties with UCC.

He added leaving the Synod meant Cobbs Hill would become "self-supporting'' financially.

The church would also engage its own Minister.

Mr. Hardy said the Synod was entering uncharted waters over the split.

It might involve changes to the 1930 legislation forging links between Bermuda and Canada.

The legislation did not "contemplate'' any churches leaving -- it anticipated new members.

Mr. Hardy said he was sorry any church should break away.

"But people have to take decisions for themselves. If that is what the congregation decides and has determined to do obviously we will do what we can to assist them in their determination.'' Mr. Hardy stressed tonight's Synod meeting was a regular one. A number of other issues would be on the agenda.