A leading Christian social action charity, Faithworks, has announced that it is restructuring to focus on new ways of achieving its strategic priorities in the current difficult funding climate - including a new Charities Paliament.

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.

Church and faith groups have a key role to play in bringing transformation to communities across the UK, according to the government minister responsible. But critics say many questions remain about the agendas of both parties.