The Salvation Army yesterday disassociated itself with the anti-gay Christian Coalition, which has been labelled "fanatical'' by Health Minister the Hon.

Quinton Edness.

The Army did not want to be associated with the Coalition's "attempt to hinder support for AIDS sufferers'', Divisional Commander Maj. Gilbert St.

Onge said in a letter to The Royal Gazette .

He was referring to the Coalition's call for people to shun the Allan Vincent Smith Foundation because of links with an alleged pro-homosexual group.

The Salvation Army's "first and only involvement'' with Coalition members was taking part in their initial march on Parliament against a Bill to legalise gay sex, Maj. St. Onge said.

But they considered that involvement nothing more than a "prayer walk'', he said.

Salvationists had walked with several church leaders to show support for Government during "a time of tough decision-making ... in respect of a proposed change in the law affecting morality''.

After fully realising the Coalition's agenda, the Army had made it clear it did not want to take part in any more of its activities.

"(The Army) is seen as being a champion of human rights around the world and we would like to maintain that role. We do not support the Coalition simply because we do not want to be misrepresented as being opposite to what we really are.'' They were also a "non-political'' organisation, he said, and did not want to take a position for or against the controversial Stubbs Bill.

Maj. St. Onge conceded the Army's mission statement said it was against homosexuality. However, the Army was not against homosexuals and its ministry extended to everyone.

"Once again I reiterate our position ... we do not identify with (the Coalition) in their thinking or efforts to try and stop such worthwhile and needed endeavours to help alleviate the suffering of those who fall victim (to AIDS),'' he said.

The Coalition, meanwhile, has reportedly changed its position regarding support for the Foundation. Spokesman Mr. Ouemonde Brangman denied to other media that his organisation called for residents to stop supporting the Foundation, an AIDS education charity set up by the family of a gay Bermudian who died of AIDS.