their links with Canada.

But church leaders were revealing little of what went on at the meeting of around 200 people.

A week ago the Island's eight Methodist churches voted overwhelmingly to keep ties with the United Church of Canada.

Three hundred and nineteen were in favour, 148 against.

Supporters of cutting the ties, which date back to 1930, have been dismayed by the perceived liberal attitudes of the UCC, which, they claim, go against the Bible.

It is thought problems began when British Columbia allowed the ordination of a homosexual.

Allegations of racial differences have also been made.

Last night Mr. Peter Trott, chairman of the meeting, said: "We're concerned about the number that did vote against retaining the union. We need to work with the churches that showed more of a majority for not retaining it.'' Church officials will try to form a committee on the issue, he said, "and perhaps meet with the individual churches to see where to go from here.'' The situation has not changed since last week's vote, he said.