whether to sever ties of more than 60 years with The United Church of Canada.

The local churches -- eight congregations organised into five "circuits'' or pastoral charges and all served by Canadian clergy -- have been linked with the United Church since 1930.

But a recent rift over the United Church decision to ordain homosexuals and the lack of development of a Bermudian ministry sparked calls to reconsider the Bermuda-United Church link.

In an article in the October, 1992 issue of United Church's magazine, "The Observer'' executive secretary of Maritime Conference -- which counts Bermuda among its Presbyteries -- the Rev. Bob Mills said Bermuda churches joined the United Church "because they needed an assured supply of ministers''.

But the Bermudian churches want more, the article also stated.

"The Methodists churches, like Bermuda itself, contain a mix of races, but members are predominantly blacks,'' it stated.

"The Bermudians would like to have more black ministers.'' In addition to theological, personnel, and pastoral reasons for considering the split, there was also a general feeling of isolation from the Canadian church, the article went on to say.

"Airfare to Canada means contacts with the Canadian church are costly, so while several Bermudians attend Maritime Conference each year, and some sit on Conference committees, few are involved with national committee work.'' At a convention held last October in Canada to review local Methodists relationship with the United Church, a decision was made to hold a referendum on the issue in Bermuda.

A decision to leave United Church would be "unfortunate'', Maritime Conference president the Rev. Henry Tye said in an article appearing in the December, 1992 issue of "The Observer''.

"If they do decide to disengage we would see that as a healthy process and not put obstacles in their way.'' The same article also stated that largest Methodist church in Bermuda -- Wesley Methodist in Hamilton was "least likely to vote for a split''.

But when contacted this week, interim minister of Wesley Methodist the Rev.

Peter MacDonald refused to predict the upcoming vote or comment on the issue.

However, The Royal Gazette , understands the congregation will hear on February 21 about the United Church's stand on the issue and the implications to the local church.

A referendum is expected to be held on March 28.