The Island's religious institutions came together at the weekend in an unprecedented move to regain its "rightful place in the community''.

And the first-ever Unity in the Spirit Conference has surpassed even its organiser's expectations as hundreds flocked to the Southampton Princess for non-denominational worship and fellowship.

Chairman of the executive committee Rev. Dr. Goodwin Smith, of the New Testament Church of God, said participants were already talking about when the next conference would take place.

And the participants had nothing but praise for the trailblazing event.

"This is awesome, really awesome,'' one man said.

Workshop facilitator Rev. Ronald Vincent of the Methodist Church said: "This is a positive thing in the community.'' "It was positive to have people from different religious backgrounds,'' added Rev. Alan Tilson of Holy Trinity Church. "It has been wonderful.'' Members of the legislature also congregated to the conference for spiritual inspiration.

Rev. Smith said Home Affairs Minister Quinton Edness, Youth Minister Tim Smith and NLP Chairman Charles Jeffers visited the conference.

"I thought it was absolutely fabulous -- right on the money,'' Mr. Jeffers said. "I was very inspired by what's going on up there. It's out of the political realm.'' He added: "The church has to take the lead. Politicians make the law, but the church has to take the lead at getting society back where it should be.

Sometimes you have to go backwards to go forwards.'' Workshop facilitator Sharon Apopa told participants in her "Towards Societal Unity'' address that the church had lost its rightful place in the community.

"People used to look to the church in times of crisis and need,'' she said.

"We need to get back to that. We need to use our voice to bring back the community.

"When we leave this conference this weekend we have to go out and restore order in this society.''