overturning of the law which makes gay male sex illegal in Bermuda, by calling for the "compassionate healing'' of homosexuals rather than their condemnation.

In a press statement, the Bermuda branch of the Christian Science Church said it had a "very strong conviction of the worth and dignity of all the children of God'', and that members did not believe moral issues could be imposed or legislated.

US activists have begun a campaign against the law, which they say goes against international agreements on human rights.

Noting that their magazines occasionally include testimonies from people who have "found freedom from homosexuality'', the church's statement went on: "The Christian Science Church has always regarded homosexuality as something that calls for compassionate healing, rather than condemnation of people on the one hand, or acceptance as a Christian way of life on the other.'' Using the example of "the adulterous woman'', it said Jesus Christ spoke with the "forgiveness and healing power typical of true Christian morality'' by saying: "Neither do I condemn thee: go and sin no more.'' But the statement said although the church's founder, Mary Baker Eddy, did not directly address the issue in her writings, she did name marriage as the only viable framework for sexual relationships.

"Our church believes that each individual's moral strength and integrity is the unseen glue that holds our Island community together and enables us to live together harmoniously,'' the statement continued. "However, as each individual strives to see that man is truly governed by God -- not by sexual impulses or deviances -- that is when sexual immorality will naturally fall away.'' Bermuda's two largest churches -- the Anglican and Roman Catholic -- have said gay sex should not be considered a crime. However, the AME Church and the PAC Church are opposed to any changes in the law.