Faith Venture 2009, which ended last night with an open air service, possibly brought a new sense of life to the Anglican church in Bermuda.

More than 1,000 people gathered for the service, brought by Archbishop of York John Sentamu, at the Arboretum in Devonshire; and another thousand joined in for the morning service at the Cathedral in Hamilton.

Nick Dill, the Priest in charge of Anglican Parish of Pembroke, believes the events changed the way people think about the Anglican church: "I think we have broken down a few stereotypes. For some they see the Anglican church as an old, moribund, white establishment, but I think the events of this weekend show we cross over the racial and cultural barriers of the Island."

The Faith Venture events, which also included Ruth Thomas' presentation of Mosaic 63 on September 26; went into full swing this weekend with a men's breakfast and women's breakfast on Saturday morning and a 400th Anniversary party for Bermuda on Saturday night.

Rev. Dill said: "It's been great. It exceeded my expectations; its been a wonderful cross section of the church and Bermuda that has been involved.

"John Sentamu has connected people at all levels, he spoke to the young people and at the men's breakfast and brought a renewed passion to the church."

Rev. Dill continued: "It's just good to see so many people out and about and participating. It was a well attended week (and) it was great to have brothers and sisters from other denominations joining together."

At yesterday's service the St. John's Youth Choir, Otis Gibbs and team and the Men's Combined Choir, directed by Gerald Simons, sang songs of worship; a dance was also performed by United Dance Foundation.

The highlight of the evening, however, was a sermon by Dr. Sentamu– the first black Archbishop of York and the second most senior cleric in the Church of England who discussed violence in all parts of the world; and suggested the only way to healing was through forgiveness.

He said: "You know friends, child soldiers carry and use AK45's, you know arms manufacturers make millions out of this misery and computer games teach children hideous violence on screen, giving young people the thrill of violence supposedly without its spills."

"If only, Jesus cried over Jerusalem, these people knew the way to real peace. Friends I have an amazing message, the message of forgiveness; the message of reconciliation is not an easy one, as they can tell us in South Africa, or Congo, or Northern Ireland, but friends it works.

"Forgiveness of sins is at the heart of the gospel and for God's greatest (gift) within each one of us is forgiveness for past sins, new life in the present and then hope for the future.

"Here in Bermuda as in all parts of the world should we not be praying for a fresh wave of reconciliation?"

Dr. Sentamu said we live in a world that has absolutely forgotten its spiritual roots and urged all people to act with urgency; to show others righteousness.

He and wife Margaret, a race relations expert, leave the Island tonight.