the church, including its ties with a Canadian Methodist church which allowed the ordination of a homosexual.

It is understood two of the eight local Methodist churches are so unhappy they are considering splitting with the Bermuda synod.

And some members of Methodist congregations believe local Methodist churches, which have been linked with the United Church of Canada for more than 60 years, have become too liberal and are "straying away from Biblical doctrine''.

The United Church of Canada recently advertised a book promoting homosexual relationships.

Earlier this month, however, local Methodists voted overwhelmingly in favour of keeping ties with the United Church of Canada.

Rev. Bailey Snow of Cobbs Hill Methodist Church said last week a decision had been expected by the end of the week, but a special committee was still holding meetings on the issues of contention.

A settlement was not expected to be reached until after an April 29 meeting, he said.

Rev. Snow has confirmed that all 52 members of the Cobbs Hill Methodist Church have voted to break away from the United Church of Canada and have considered, with Grace Methodist Church, splitting with the Bermuda synod.