vilification by a small group of his Somerset parishioners, left Bermuda yesterday.

The Rev. David Chisling returned to Canada believing his ministry was sacrificed to placate a few angry parishioners at his Wesleyan Methodist Church who opposed his work with AIDS patients and his refusal to condemn homosexuality.

Rev. Chisling believes he was also the victim of racial attacks by parishioners who objected to having a white minister.

But in an exclusive interview in this morning's Living Section (See Page 19), Rev. Chisling said he had been overwhelmed by an outpouring of love and expressions of outrage on his behalf.

"So many people have said they can't understand how this was allowed to happen,'' he told The Royal Gazette .

"It certainly is alarming to realise that the absurd and vicious ravings of the bigoted and ignorant have, in effect, destroyed my career.

"What joy does someone get in doing that? I have no church to go to when I leave here.'' The underground campaign against the Canadian clergyman culminated in mid-August when someone tacked a "You ought to know Chisling has to go'' sign on gate of the Somerset church.

He was also attacked for preaching a "perverted gospel'' that "fits you for Hell and prepares your mind to accept the anti-Christ''.

The campaign became so sinister, Rev. Chisling began to fear for his safety.

In late August he sent his wife back to Canada.

Despite being hounded from the Island, Rev. Chisling said he cherished his four years in Bermuda, describing it as a remarkable place where he and his wife Nancy met wonderful people.