The Bishop of Bermuda's African Methodist Episcopal (AME) churches has promised to do everything possible for ousted pastor the Reverend Christopher Haynes.

Bishop Zedekiah Grady, who oversees the First Episcopal district, which includes Bermuda and some US states, described Rev. Haynes as "one of the finest ministers" in the AME Church, and said steps were already being taken to find him a new post.

The Bishop said: "We regret what has happened in Bermuda with regards to Rev. Haynes. I have not been Bishop in this area very long, and so don't know the various ramifications, but I do know he has been asked to leave by the end of this month and I will make provision for him.

"I will assign in the future someone to take over Mount Zion Church."

The Royal Gazette has reported how the AME Church on the Island has become divided over the imminent departure of Rev. Haynes, who is pastor of Mount Zion Church in Southampton. He must leave Bermuda by August 30 after 19 years on the Island after Immigration turned down an application to renew his work permit.

Some members of Mount Zion have claimed the Church did not do enough to safeguard the Pastor's position on the Island. Rev. Haynes' previous work permit ran out last September, but the Church did not apply for a renewal until earlier this year, meaning he had been working illegally.

And many believe that the lack of efficiency from the Church caused Immigration to frown on the request.

But it was also claimed that the Church did not appeal Immigration's decision during the given time because some parishioners were unhappy with Rev. Haynes' work at the church. Therefore, no appeal was granted and Rev. Haynes was asked to leave.

Presiding elder the Rev. Malcolm Eve has come in for some criticism over the handling of the work permit renewal, with some members questioning his leadership and even calling for his resignation.

But others in the Church have jumped to Rev. Eve's defence and said there was no plan for him to be removed and no request for him to resign.

When The Royal Gazette spoke to Rev. Haynes last week, he said he still had not been given a new posting, and said a replacement had still not be found for Mount Zion.

But yesterday, Bishop Grady said the pastor had been offered a good appointment in New York State, which he had refused.

Bishop Grady explained he had only recently been appointed to the position and therefore did not know the background to saga.

He added: "I don't really know the situation at all, or what has happened, but I know Rev. Eve did request a permit, and through our lawyer, we made an appeal, but that was denied.

"We have done everything we possibly could. Certainly, we are going to provide for Rev. Haynes. We are working on getting him a visa for the States and then he can take up a new posting. He will be catered for. He is one of the finest ministers. He is a very fine gentleman."

Bishop Grady said Rev. Haynes could take up the position in New York State as soon as he would like, but he had turned it down. Therefore, he said it could be a while before another position became vacant.

He added: "That's the only church that we have open at the moment, unless somebody passes or retires. But it was a very good appointment.

"I will have to talk to Rev. Haynes some more, and I will be talking to Rev. Eve. We will take it from there."

Bishop Grady said he had little knowledge about the criticisms and background to the issue, so did not wish to get involved.

He added: "I assume he (Rev. Eve) is doing a good job."

Rev. Eve has refused to comment on the issue.