woman from a church-owned home to his Sunday morning worshippers.

In yesterday's programme, Father Robert Thacker wrote to his congregation, defending the decision he made along with two church wardens to evict 66-year-old Telvina Simons and her son.

Fr. Thacker was responding to a Royal Gazette story last week in which Mrs.

Simons called the action "awful'', and "hypocrisy''.

Two church wardens, Gerald Smith and Jill Moniz, and Rev. Thacker wrote to Mrs. Simons on New Year's Eve ordering she vacate the property by January 31 "in order that we may be relieved of the responsibility of having a person living in an unacceptable premises'' and so that repairs could be done.

And in a brief interview yesterday, Fr. Thacker said the letter was written because it would be impossible for a person to live in the house while the essential and extensive renovations took place.

"We made our decision based on that understanding,'' he said, before saying it would be unfair to Mrs. Simons to comment further.

Mrs. Simons shares the two-bedroom cottage with her 26-year-old son, and admitted it is barely habitable but suspected the church had ulterior motives.

She said the church is prepared to rent the apartment to someone else.

"I know what they're up to,'' Mrs. Simons said last week. "A friend of mine called to find out what was going on and the pastor told her it was none of her business.

"The church is supposed to be there to help people no matter who you are. The church is there to help, not to walk over people.'' But yesterday Fr. Thacker wrote: "I hope you know the wardens and me well enough to trust that we have made a difficult decision that is necessary and in the long run best for all.'' He added that before Mrs. Simons moved in the church had planned to do necessary repairs but she had told the church she needed a new place to live immediately.

And Fr. Thacker wrote the church had provided cleaning and maintenance supplies after the mother and son agreed to make the apartment liveable.

"They have not done what they said, and the house has continued to deteriorate,'' he wrote. "It is irresponsible for us to allow someone to live in the cottage in its present condition. Considerable work needs to be done.'' Before inviting parishioners to discuss the matter with him or wardens, Fr.

Thacker concluded: "I am sorry the matter has become public. I hope you understand our position.''