A report looking at the role of the Church of England and other faith communities in public welfare provision has been spun into an attack on government before it has even been published and read, say the researchers behind it.

Among secular groups there is puzzlement and annoyance that government continues to 'pander' to weakened churches. This is because, says Jonathan Bartley, they have not grasped the mutual interests involved. These are as much a threat to the churches as an advantage.