to back down.

They have warned that the Island is heading towards disaster without policy changes. And they have also appealed for job training schemes to help the army of unemployed.

The plea came from the African Methodist Episcopal Church in Bermuda.

Their call will boost the campaign by teachers and parents for Government to back down over lopping $2.2 million from the education budget.

But chairman of the church's social action committee the Rev. Malcolm Eve stressed the need for the Island to pull together behind Government.

Rev. Eve, from St. Phillip Church, said education was the key to solving social problems, including drugs, AIDS and homelessness. But he added: "We can't expect Government to do everything. We have to come together.'' The AME Church hammered out the message after the 107th session of its Bermuda Annual Conference, which was attended by about 400 people.

The four-day conference, which ended last Sunday, was held at Mount Zion AME Church in Southampton, hosted by the Rev. Samuel Hayward. It was presided over by the newly appointed Bishop Philip Cousin.

The church called on Government to adopt three resolutions: Scrap annual voter registration, and bring in legislation to require people to register just once.

Make education reforms a higher priority by not cutting finances and personnel.

Help set up job training programmes for the unemployed, teaching them new skills.

Rev. Eve said the church was acting as a Christian ministry, not through a wish to enter politics.

"We want Government to know we would be willing to help, and we will try to ensure our resolutions are followed through.'' He added Bishop Cousin had asked for a report to keep him abreast on whether the resolutions were being acted on.

He explained that annual voter registration was considered by the church to be time and money consuming.

Since Government had the birth records of people, there was no need to continually register. At most, registration could occur every five or ten years, added Rev. Eve.

On education, Rev. Eve said it was essential for children to be equipped to meet the challenges of the 21st century. "Will they be well rounded individuals?'' he asked.

Rev. Eve said the church shared the worries of parents and teachers over cuts.

It was also concerned over the number of "displaced people'' in the community -- the unemployed.

"All of us should be playing a role and doing something to aid these people,'' said Rev. Eve.