"administrative leave'' The Royal Gazette has learned.

The AME hierarchy both in Bermuda and in Philadelphia would not comment on the reason for the move.

The Royal Gazette attended a service last Sunday at Mr. Woolridge's church, the Mount Zion African Methodist Episcopal Church in Southampton.

It is understood that it was the third week in which Mr. Woolridge, the Progressive Labour Party MP for Hamilton East, had not appeared in the pulpit.

When contacted in Philadephia, presiding AME Bishop the Rt. Rev. Philip R.

Cousin said he had no comment on the decision.

The Rev. Malcolm L. Eve, Presiding AME Church Elder in Bermuda said: "I have nothing to say.'' Mr. Woolridge's name was still on the front of the church's order of service programme on Sunday.

But an AME source said: "He has not been suspended. It would be more correct to say that he has been placed on administrative leave from his pastoral responsibilities in the interest of fairness.''