Thousands of people gathered for the event heard a plea to politicians not to change the Human Rights Act.

To cheers from the crowd, Rev. Lloyd Duncan, of the Pembroke New Testament Church of God, told the crowd at the National Sports Centre: ?If you seek continued peace ... don?t amend the Human Rights Act and don?t tear down the wall of morality in our land.?organisers last night said that more than 6,000 worshipers were at the multi-faith service and they revealed they hoped the gathering would become an annual event.

Even though they are divided in the ongoing PLP leadership battle, Premier Alex Scott and challenger Ewart Brown were yesterday.

Opposition Leader Wayne Furbert also attended.

The service hit the headlines and sparked controversy last week when the Anglican and Roman Catholic Churches of Bermuda refused to support it.

They said they felt homosexuals would be treated in an unfair manner. , however, said there would be no ?gay bashing?.

Government backbencher Ren?e Webb has already confirmed she plans to re-table her bill to amend the Human Rights Act during the next parliamentary session.

Her first attempt to get the bill ? outlawing discrimination against homosexuals? passed was thrown out by the House of Assembly in controversial circumstances in the summer.

Rev. Duncan, who spoke on the topic of the Human Rights Act but who only mentioned it specifically once, had also told the crowd: ?The devil is real. That?s why we are here today ? a combined church.?

Earlier in the service, Rev. Dwight Grant, of the New Genesis Church, spoke about crime and gang violence on the Island.

He described violent behaviour as ?an inner cry that has been forced to express itself abnormally? and which causes ?havoc? in the nation.

He said yesterday?s service was an example of combined churches taking a stand against crime. ?We are going to change the fabric of this country,? added Rev. Grant, sparking loud applause.

The service heard how several pastors and church leaders had flown in from overseas for the ?historic? event. Representatives from Cleveland and New Hampshire, USA, were both mentioned. Organisers said that about 80 churches, crossing denominational and racial lines, closed their doors yesterday morning for the amalgamated service. They said the aim was to stand in solidarity ?on their involvement in society, in Government and in the overall spiritual direction of Bermuda?.member Andre Curtis said the service was ?fantastic? ? and revealed that it would be held every year.

?It?s going to be an annual event,? he told . ?We will reach out to all denominations again.?

Meanwhile, a supporter of Ms Webb?s bill who attended yesterday?s event raised concerns about a petition people were being asked to sign as they left the venue. He said he was told it was to oppose gay marriage, but said it was actually to oppose Ms Webb?s amendment.