THREE Belfast men today left on a seven-month trek to Jerusalem in protest against religious conflict.

They are part of a six-strong team taking part in The Humanist Millennium Walk 2000, which is spanning 2,445 miles.

Ulster Humanist Association members Phil Ward, Anthony Hughes and Axel Kenny are putting their best feet forward in a bid to make a positive statement about 'Humanism'.

They aim to reach the Holy City by January 1, 2001.

Phil (38), from Evelyn Gardens, explained that both Belfast and Jerusalem are symbols of the 'medieval religious strife' that afflicts the world.

"Sadly, this malady is by no means limited to these two cities. Religion continues to plague humanity and deny us the fruits of human civilisation," he added.

"By marching in protest from one epicentre of religious conflict to another, I and my colleagues intend to make a positive statement about Humanism.

"We will be highlighting Humanism as a philosophy of life based on human values, reason, secular morality, scientific knowledge and offer it as a solvent of divisions among people."

The walkers' main aim is to take the Humanist message to the streets and increase its appeal to the non-intellectual.

"We would like to show that Humanism's message is not restricted to academics," added Phil, who is a member of the British Humanist Association.

"By doing so we hope to achieve greater visibility for the world-wide Humanist Movement, as well as increasing the strength and impact of Humanist principles and philosophy."

The local men also hope the Humanist Millennium Walk 2000 will attract more members to various Humanist organisation.