Faith groups are to be given a central role in shaping government policies, a senior minister has vowed.

John Denham, the communities secretary, said the values of Christians, Muslims and other religions were essential in building a "progressive society".

He attacked secularists who have called for religion to be kept out of public life.

Mr Denham revealed that a new panel of religious experts has been set up to advise the Government on making public policy decisions.

The move has been criticised by secularists who warned that it represented a worrying development.

However, Mr Denham argued that Christians and Muslims can contribute significant insights on key issues, such as the economy, parenting and tackling climate change.

• Full story at the Daily Telegraph.

• Filed under England + Wales, Scottish Christian News Monitor, Secularism, Social Action, Social Policy.