The officers of St Paul’s African Methodist Episcopal Church have said they are “profoundly disheartened” by the refusal of a work permit for its pastor, the Reverend Nicholas Tweed.

A statement released yesterday outlined Mr Tweed’s achievements and described the decision as “an injustice”.

It made no mention of assertions that his work permit application was incomplete or inaccurate — reasons cited by the Department of Immigration for the refusal.

The statement, which said Mr Tweed had “rejuvenated the church ministry”, said it was now anticipating a new year “without our beloved servant leader and pastor”.

“We feel utterly betrayed by the Government. Since his appointment, Pastor Tweed has rejuvenated the church ministry,” it said.

“He has led our church with enthusiasm, compassion and most of all sound Biblical teaching. He has been a committed servant to his congregation and to the wider community.

“Pastor Tweed has led the congregation in prayer, Bible study, discipleship and ministering to the needs of members of the church and the community.

“Our Wednesday feeding programme and student scholarship awards have all increased under his leadership. He has been a true servant leader.

“He has carried out all his duties of ministering to his congregation with great care, to grieving families, to the sick and shut in, performing weddings and baptisms. He was appointed by the Bishop as deputy chair to manage Matilda Smith Williams Seniors’ Residence and his leadership has served to stabilise and improve the operation of the residence.

“Our youth ministry has grown under his leadership, young people are serving and more visible in ministry at St Paul. They are devastated by this decision.

“The message that the Government sent will resonate for years to come. But we as a congregation will remain steadfast in our conviction and our faith.”

The statement went on to quote Martin Luther King in his letter from Birmingham jail: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

The statement went on to describe the work permit refusal as “an attack on the faith community”, adding: “The Government has stated that the Church has been a place of refuge, safety and renewal, their words are hollow to us as we close out 2016 and enter a new year without our beloved servant leader and Pastor, Reverend Nicholas Genevieve Tweed.”