The Unity of the Spirit conference is such a good idea, the guest speaker will try to start something similar in his hometown of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Clarence Walker, the pastor of The First Anointing Christian Centre, spoke last night on the theme of unity in the Christian family.

His speech at the Worship Service at the Marriott Castle Harbour Resort entitled "We Are Due For a Make Over'' centred on the theme of rebuilding the churches in Bermuda.

"I applaud the organisers,'' Rev. Walker yesterday told The Royal Gazette .

"I applaud them highly for their efforts to bring people in this great country.

He added: "In fact I will take this idea back to the US and my home in Philadelphia. This has inspired me greatly.'' Rev. Walker was speaking during the second annual conference intended to unify all Christians to build greater "knowledge of the spirit and a deeper relationship with God and each other''.

Rev. Walker, a trained social worker who now provides family and marriage counselling, said Christians and others no longer needed to "point fingers'' at the ills of the world.

"Hillary Clinton took this from the Africans but it is still important,'' he said. "It takes a village to raise a child. And that is precisely what we have to do.'' Speaking about young people and such issues as violence, he said: "I think there should be a concerted effort on the part of Government, the churches and other institutions to work together. More attention will have to be paid to the importance of the family.'' Rev. Walker added: "I have to say the media has a major role in infecting the violence of our youth. The media will have to be more responsible.'' Co-organiser Rev. Neville Smith said he expected the conference to become a major force on local Christian's calendars.

"This will bring Christians together,'' he said. "In learning some of the Bible principles that can be implemented in a practical way. Some of the basic findings we will be able to take to the higher level.'' Speaking during a marriage workshop, Rev. Vernon Lambe of the First Church of God said many marriages have received the wrong treatment when they are in trouble.

"Many marriages have called in morticians,'' he said. "But we should really call in the physician because the physician heals. Marriage is under attack.'' The results of divorce, Rev. Lambe said, is being manifested in the behaviour of children who are not raised under the triangular relationship of God, man, and woman.

"What's happening is the man is out of order,'' Rev. Lambe added. "That's what all the fighting comes from. A physician can heal that.'' "The devil doesn't want us married. He wants us shacking up. He wants us out there,'' he continued.

Other speakers included chairman of executive committee of the conference Rev.

Goodwin Smith on "God's Plan for Financial Freedom'' and Sharon Apopa on "Toward's Societal Unity''.

The conference continues today with separate activities and workshops for youth, including a banquet at 7.30 p.m. in Marriott's conference centre.

For adults, the workshops continue with Ismay Cartwright conducting "Seductive Spiritual Snakes'' workshop.

The day's events begin with an Intercessory Prayer in the Harbour Ballroom at 6 a.m. and a Spiritual Charge and Instruction Session from 9.30 a.m. Workshops begin at 10.15 and 2 p.m.

The conference ends tonight with a Banquet in the Harbour Ballroom.