The Minister for Civil Society has commended the 'excellent work' that charities promoting religion do in the UK. Rob Wilson was responding to a question in the House of Commons by Sir Edward Leigh, who raised concerns over whether so called British values would trump religious values and prevent groups from teaching their own faith. In his response, the Minister said: ‘More than 25,000 registered charities involve the promotion of religion. They play a hugely important role in our communities and support those in need. I pay tribute to their excellent work. They are often first in and last out of some of our toughest communities.’ The issue was raised following a decision by the Charity Commission to remove the charitable status of a group linked to the Plymouth Brethren. It led to some feeling Christian groups could be targeted in future for bringing their faith into their charitable work.

Family breakdown is set to cost the taxpayer a staggering £47 billion in 2015, according to new figures released by a leading relationship think tank. The Relationships Foundation’s ‘Cost of Family Failure Index’ calculates annually the economic effects on society as a result of families splitting up. The Index analyses the cost of benefits, housing, health and social care, policing, the courts and education. These latest figures showed that there would be a £1,546 cost to each taxpayer a year, and disclosed an overall increase of £10 billion when compared to figures released in 2009 (£37 billion). In a press release, the Foundation said, ‘the cost of family failure continues to rise’, It shows that family breakdown not only has a terrible human cost in terms of the emotional toll on all members of the family, but also an enormous financial cost to society as the taxpayer picks up the pieces.’

Thousands of bibles could be removed from university accommodation after they were branded 'inappropriate' in a multicultural environment. More than half of students surveyed at Aberystwyth University said they felt the compulsory inclusion of the book from Gideon International was 'uncomfortable' or 'unacceptable'. A proposal to have all bibles withdrawn from university-owned bedrooms will be put forward by the university's Students' Union council at a meeting later this month. A survey of students at Pentre Jane Morgan halls of residence was conducted by Aberystwyth Students' Union. It found that around 50 per cent of respondents found the compulsory inclusion of Bibles 'uncomfortable' or 'unacceptable.' The matter was raised at a student council meeting by student John David Morgan on January 22, where 50 people showed up. The motion, put forward at a student union council meeting, will be discussed later this month

Eric Pickles is expected to announce a decision on London’s so-called ‘megamosque’ within the next fortnight, following a three-week public inquiry last year. The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government was tasked with hearing the case after years of disputes and Newham Council’s rejection of planning application to build a large complex incorporating accommodation, a library, school and prayer halls. The original plans included capacity for at least 40,000 simultaneous attendees, although these were later scaled down due to widespread negative reaction. It is the size in particular – four times the capacity of St Paul’s Cathedral – that concerns objectors most, as well as issues regarding the usefulness of the site for the whole community. The site in Stratford has been owned by Tablighi Jamaat since 1996. A dogmatic and rigid branch of Islam, Tablighi Jamaat seeks to encourage Muslims to follow a stricter version of the faith