The British Humanist Association (BHA) has said that the government should close the discrimination loopholes for religious organisations involved in public service provision, and should ensure that all services are fully inclusive.

The Charity Commission, the independent charity regulator, and researchers at the Von Hugel Institute, have disagreed over the findings of a new report commissioned by the Church of England on the role of faith in social welfare.

PM Gordon Brown has launched a new consultation involving the Labour Party, churches and faith communities. It will focus on identifying the values held in common by different faiths and beliefs - ones that also echo with the non-religious.

As the debate about the relationship between government provided social welfare and church involvement continues, a Christian minister who chairs an agency working with people in housing need says that state funding is "a mixed blessing".