politically neutral in the upcoming election.

Rev. Leonard Santucci, of Heard Chapel, yesterday responded to reports that some AME members were critical of AME Minister Rev. Dr. Floyd Flake speaking at Thursday's United Bermuda Party banquet.

"It turns out that one of the people speaking to the issue of the UBP's invitation to Rev. Flake was an AME member who is out canvassing for the PLP,'' Rev. Santucci claimed.

He added: "The AME Church has long endorsed a tradition of non-partisan community activism; I wholeheartedly endorse the position of political neutrality that was expressed during the Annual Conference of March 12 to 15.'' Rev. Santucci attended last weekend's annual AME Conference.

"Especially noted by the conference was the fact that both the Premier and Opposition Leader are members of the AME Church,'' he said. "And I emphasise the Conference expressed a position of neutrality.''