decriminalisation of homosexual acts in Bermuda.

The Rev. Conway M. Simmons, Presiding Elder of the AME Churches in Bermuda, said he was responding to concerns of members by condemning the proposed changes.

Rev. Simmons said that homosexuality was an abomination condemned in both the Old and New Testaments and it could promote the spread of AIDS.

AME Members were concerned that the Church had not made a stance on the issue which gay rights activists in the US are pushing in Bermuda.

Those activists claim Bermuda is breaking international law in preserving an Act of Parliament that could condemn men having gay sex to sentences of up to 10 years, even if they are consenting partners in private.

But the AME Church, which represents more than a third of Bermudians, has now spoken out.

Mr. Simmons said: "Our members are concerned that many voices are being heard, but the Church has so far remained silent. They feel it is important that the Church makes a statement.

"Firstly, it is impossible for any man to change God's word. Homosexuality is condemned in both the Old and New Testament. All sin is sin to be sure, but homosexuality is termed an "abomination'' because it is a perversion of God's created order.

"Secondly, we need to preserve our heritage. Our forefathers strived to give us a fairly decent society in which to live. To decriminalise homosexuality or change the law, however subtly, would give this generation now coming along the impression that such behaviour is approved.

"Thirdly, with AIDS claiming the lives of so many, the last thing we need is to give anybody the impression that we need more of the same.

"Finally, the AME Church has always preached a gospel of hope. To those who may be caught up in a vicious circle of a gay life-style, we say to you that there is a better way of living through Christ Jesus.''