Rev. Dr. Leonard Santucci was named yesterday as the United Bermuda Party's (UBP) new senator to replace Maxwell Burgess.

The Professor of Religion at Bermuda College and pastor at Heard Chapel AME Church will join lawyer Mark Pettingill and Kim Swan in the UBP team, with Sen. Swan becoming Opposition leader in the Senate.

Rev. Santucci is a former Commissioner at the Commission for Unity and Racial Equality (CURE), former chairman of the National Youth Council, and former deputy chairman of Crimestoppers.

He had been nominated to stand for Parliament for the UBP before but declined because he was studying for his doctorate. Rev. Santucci caused controversy in 1999 when he warned that Britain's desire for its colonies to give greater rights to gays would threaten Bermuda's "moral and social fabric". UBP leader Dr. Grant Gibbons said yesterday: "I am delighted that the Rev. Santucci has agreed to serve in the Senate for the UBP.

"He brings a unique set of qualifications and experience both as a professor at Bermuda College and an AME minister.

"Rev. Santucci is a man of integrity and strong convictions. He will be a valued member of the UBP team in the Senate.

"After the announcement yesterday, Rev. Santucci said: "I regard it as an opportunity to extend my ministry in the community more formally." He refused to say what issues he would be particularly concerned about but said: "I will speak clearly and stand behind what I say."