unprecedented bid to address Bermuda's social woes.

Rev. Dr. Goodwin Smith of New Testament Church of God yesterday said that the issue of youth violence will be raised at this week's Unity of Spirit Conference.

The Conference will bring together a variety of denominations for a three-day forum at the Southampton Princess Hotel.

Rev. Smith, the chairman of the Conference's executive committee said he hoped the multi-faith conference would produce solutions to the escalating problem of youth violence. The committee also includes Bishop Robert Kurtz of the Catholic Church, Rev. Malcolm Eve, presiding elder of the AME Church, Rev.

Neville Smith of Radnor Road Christian Fellowship and Rev. Dr. Vernon Lambe, general overseer of the First Church of God.

And he took aim at those who suggested that the Island's churches were not doing enough for Bermuda's young people.

"We have youth programmes here,'' Rev. Smith said. "And I believe most of the other churches have programmes.

"On one hand churches are reaching out but those who are calling for these programmes are trying to break them down.'' Rev. Smith pointed out that many events were held on Sundays, when churches were trying to stage their youth programmes or holding services.

And he said things like Sunday shopping competed with churches' aim of providing opportunities for quality family time.

"We have a breakdown in our spiritual building,'' Rev. Smith added. "Our kids see the double standards. Parents don't take part or bring them to us, so they just follow what they do.'' The Unity of Spirit Conference begins tomorrow and concludes on Saturday.

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