and anthems and readings from the Koran and the Bible, and a congregation dressed in African attire. Not the sort of thing one would ordinarily expect in an Anglican church.

But this is no ordinary service. St. Mary's church in Warwick is the venue for a special service with a focus on Sierra Leone tomorrow evening.

"Its a celebration of African cultures with poetry and songs from various parts of the continent -- with a special focus on Sierra Leone,'' said Rev.

Andrew Doughty.

Rev. Doughty said that the service was in response to an appeal put out by members of a local campaign to raise awareness and action on the human rights crisis in Sierra Leone.

"We are asking all faith communities to make a special mention of Sierra Leone during their regular services,'' said campaigner Ayo Johnson. "Rev.

Doughty went one step further and offered his church as the venue for what will be a rather eclectic service.'' Sierra Leone has been in internal conflict since March 1991. Members of the Sierra Leone Action Network kicked off Sierra Leone Solidarity Week March 12 to mark the tenth anniversary of the conflict.

"It has been largely ignored by the international community for most of the last ten years, despite the fact that so many innocent civilians have suffered rape, mutilation and murder at the hands of rebel forces,'' said Mr. Johnson.

"Solidarity Week commemorates the victims and survivors as well as celebrates the courage of Sierra Leoneans who have been resisting the atrocities all these years.

Our aim is to kick off a new wave of activism globally to ensure that effective action takes place over the long term.'' Mr. Johnson added that ordinary people around the world have a role to play in ending the international community's discrimination against African countries when it comes to taking action against widespread human rights abuses.

"It is appropriate that we should first unite in prayer and communion,'' he said.

"I would like to invite all Bermudians -- black and white, Christian and non-Christian -- to come together to pray for the people of Sierra Leone,'' said Rev. Doughty. "There will be an act of confession and an act of reconciliation, as well as a candle lighting ceremony as a symbolic show of solidarity.'' African attire, for those who have it, is requested.

The service begins at 6 p.m. Sunday, said Rev. Doughty.

Details on other Solidarity Week activities can be had by calling 291-5406 or email slactionbda yhotmail.com.