The Government this week appointed 13 new faith advisers to act as a “sounding board” on effective engagement with faith communities.

The advisers include Canon Dr Alan Billings, former director of the Centre for Ethics and Religion at the University of Lancaster, the Bishop of Leicester the Rt Rev Tim Stevens, and Marcia Dixon, Editor of black church publication Keep the Faith.

The Government said the advisers, who include representatives of the other major faiths, would encourage a deeper relationship between Government and faith communities.

The announcement was made by Communities Secretary John Denham. He said the panel would advise on the big issues facing society, such as the economy, parenting, social justice and climate change.

“For millions of people the values instilled by their faith are central to shaping their behaviour. We should continually seek ways of supporting and enhancing the contribution faith makes to the decision-making process on the central issues of our time,” he said.

“Each adviser is has an outstanding track record of achievement. Together they will help inform Government on the views and values of faith communities, enabling us to learn from the unique insights that faith groups bring to contemporary issues.”

The faith advisers have been appointed in addition to the existing Faith Communities Consultative Council.