Christian ministry Faithworks has welcomed the Church Consultation on Violent Crime which found that most churchgoers want the church to help tackle gun and knife crime.

A survey by Premier Christian Media, in association with the Metropolitan Black Police Association and Hope for London, identified prayer, mentoring, parenting support and building closer relationships with the police as top priorities for the church.

Out of the more than 3,240 church members and leaders from across the UK who took part in the survey, 89 per cent felt that gun and violent crime was an issue the church should address.

In addition, 51 per cent of those surveyed said they did not think they had enough information on issues of gun and violent crime, while 65 per cent said they felt there was a need for advice on handing guns and knives.

Faithworks said in a statement that the findings of the consultation presented "huge opportunities, and challenges, for the church to engage with disaffected young people across the country".

The statement added, "Our potential to reach young people who are affected by gang culture is enormous. It will require partnership working, with other churches, government, non-faith based groups and even other faiths - but on issues like this we must put our differences aside to work for the common good."