The Church of England has commissioned research into the implications of local churches undertaking welfare services, in response to the Government's growing interest in partnerships with churches and other faith-based organisations.
Both the Government and Opposition have affirmed the faith communities' unique and significant role in promoting social cohesion, education and regeneration and want to see this role expanded.
Politicians have been encouraging the Church to look towards greater involvement in the provision of statutory services across a wide range of areas including employment/jobcentres, health provision, residential care for the elderly, and aftercare of offenders.
