The Anglican Bishop has accused Government of interfering in church affairs in an "entirely inappropriate" way over the issuing of work permits to non-Bermudian clergymen.

Bishop Ewan Ratteray has reignited a long-running row with the Department of Immigration about the issue in his November newsletter to churchgoers — and hit out at some members of his own flock whose behaviour he describes as "reprehensible".

Bishop Ratteray, who said relations with current Immigration Minister Derrick Burgess were greatly improved, writes that the Anglican Church's relationship with Government with respect to appointments to parishes has long been a "matter of deep concern" to him.

"Without being overly specific, I refer to interference in the affairs of the church in ways that I believe to be entirely inappropriate," he says.

"Despite complying with the law at all times, we still seem unable to make significant progress. Though there have been many meetings over the years, often very cordial ... we still have recurring difficulties."

The church has clashed swords with both United Bermuda Party and Progressive Labour Party governments over the appointment of ministers from abroad.

Four years ago, the issue hit the headlines when the church was ordered to employ a status Bermudian rather than a Canadian for St. Paul's Church in Paget.

And an expatriate vicar from another parish was warned he faced arrest when he offered to step in to conduct services at the church while it was without a minister — a threat Bishop Ratteray likened to Nazi Germany.

The Bishop's latest newsletter to churchgoers reveals that the issue has still not been put to bed.

"Decisions sometimes have had the appearance of being arbitrarily taken," he writes.

"Notwithstanding countless letters outlining our position, the Church has often been put at a distinct disadvantage. While the behaviour of certain persons outside the Church has been from time to time less than desirable, yet even more reprehensible has been the conduct of certain individuals within the Church who have fed the Government with misinformation.

"These nameless persons, whom I can make an intelligent guess as to who they really are, were always given greater credence than I ever have been. There is something rather strange and sinister about this picture."

He describes the church members who "utilise the Government for their own selfish purposes" as walking on extremely dangerous ground both for themselves and the well-being of the church.

The Bishop, who would not elaborate when contacted yesterday by The Royal Gazette, tells parishioners that the Church's relationship with the current Immigration Minister and Permanent Secretary has greatly improved but adds: "The way forward is still not absolutely clear."

He writes: "I am very sad that we have been subjected from time to time to undue pressure in this very important area of the church's life. Over the years I have expended a great deal of time and energy seeking resolution to a seemingly intractable matter."

The Department of Immigration did not respond to a request for comment.