anti-gay laws.

They said gay sex should not be condoned -- although making it a crime was "inappropriate''.

Their statement, however, revealed divided opinions among Anglican Church members.

Yesterday the decision of the Synod of the Anglican Church of Bermuda was met with defiance by action groups.

The Christian Coalition and Valiant Ex-Gay Ministry vowed to continue fighting the campaign against the Island's laws.

"We are ready to do battle,'' declared "ex-homosexual'' Mr. Duane Santucci.

Mr. Santucci said a spiritual war would be waged against opponents to the anti-gay law.

Presiding Elder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church Rev. Malcolm Eve appeared unmoved by the Anglican decision.

He said his Church remained firmly against any change in the law.

Government backbencher the Hon. John Stubbs, however, applauded the Anglican Church's decision.

"I was very encouraged. I had some premonition they would do this,'' he said.

Dr. Stubbs' private member's Bill to decriminalise gay sex between consenting adults is expected to be discussed on Monday.

And last night the United Bermuda Party's Paget East MP was confident of success.

"I am cautiously optimistic.'' Dr. Stubbs believed debate on his Bill would be completed within two hours.

"I haven't met anybody who has a thick portfolio on this. I don't think it will be contentious.

"I think logic, Christian compassion and feeling for human rights seems to be prevailing against hysterical, right-wing religious bigotry.

"I think the tide is in my favour in Bermuda right now.'' The ruling of the Anglican synod was announced yesterday.

It mirrors the decisions of the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda the Rt. Rev.

William Down and the Bishop of Hamilton the Most. Rev. Brian Hennessy.

In a statement, the Anglican synod accepted there were "strong and differing'' views among its members.

But it went on: "We write as Bishops and priests who are deeply concerned about the law concerning homosexual acts.

"We write also as pastors concerned about all God's people. We recognise that human beings are created with strong sexual impulses and that for the vast majority of people these impulses are expressed in heterosexual relationships.

"We hold firmly to the Biblical teaching that sexual relationships are expressed in the lifelong faithful union of a man and a woman in marriage.'' "We recognise also that a significant minority of people are emotionally and physically attracted to people of their own sex.

"For some this appears to be the result of the circumstances and environment in which they were brought up as children.

"For others it appears to be something which has been part of their make-up from birth. Whatever the cause, this is how they are now.

"As pastors it is our task to minister to all God's people. We hold firmly to the Biblical teaching that we are all made in the image and likeness of God, and that God loves each and every one of us.

"Each of us is of equal importance to Him. Jesus Christ died for us all. We must beware of casting the first stone.'' The Synod said pastors had the task of showing and bringing the love of God to everyone.

"It is to show people gently but firmly what God requires of us all in all the circumstances of our lives.

"It is to help people to find God's strength to cope with themselves, with their sexual orientation, and with life.

"Therefore, although we do not condone homosexual acts, we do not believe that to classify them as criminal is appropriate.'' A Royal Gazette survey last year showed most of Bermuda's small churches felt the gay law should remain.