The pews at Greater Smith Hill New Testament Church of God overflowed last night as the Pembroke East community united for a prayer vigil following a weekend of violence in their neighbourhood.

The vigil was one of four held island wide last night following the recent spate of shootings that left one man dead and four injured.

Greater Hill Smith Pastor Rev. Lloyd Duncan led the vigil at the Curving Avenue church, which is right near the site of Friday's shooting.

Rev. Duncan was joined by the leaders of seven area churches from a variety of denominations, who took turns speaking to a full house of worshippers including Opposition Leader Kim Swan and United Bermuda Party MP Charlie Swan. Fold-out chairs had to be brought out to accommodate the extra numbers on what is normally an evening of bible study at Greater Smith Hill.

Rev. Duncan addressed the recent gang violence in Curving Avenue and nearby St Monica's Road, saying: "There's no need to repeat the tragedies that have transpired over the last few days. Bermuda stands in need of healing now."

His declaration that Bermuda is "at a crossroads" following last weekend's gang violence was met with enthusiastic agreement from the gathered congregation, who seemed optimistic in spite of the events of the last few days.

Pastor Dwayne Simons of the nearby Church of God of Prophecy and Praise Palace, also on Curving Avenue, vowed to "help our young men, who are disconnected, discouraged and disenfranchised."

Rev. Simons earned rapturous applause when he gave his opinion on why some of the island's young men have fallen into lives of crime.

"Fathers have shirked their responsibility," he said, adding that men have "an obligation and duty to lead our families."

He did not place the blame squarely on Bermuda's fathers, saying: "Some of the mothers baby these young men."