Lord Wajid Khan of Burnley said he is committed to working with a wide range of religious leaders as FaithAction celebrated its 10th anniversary of the Faith Covenant.

Lord Khan, who is Faith Minister, was joined by faith leaders during a breakfast event in Westminster.

The Faith Covenant is a joint agreement designed to foster collaboration between faith organisations and local government and has been signed by 32 local authorities. 

This event was the culmination of several meetings held during Faith in Partnership Week 2024, exploring 'opportunities for partnership working around issues such as health inequalities, community cohesion and refugee crises'.

FaithAction is now calling for more sustained collaboration between faith groups and the government to help the most marginalised members of society. 

Lord Khan said: “I am determined to maintain an open-door policy and listen.

"I want to engage with as many faith leaders as possible, as faith-based organisations play a vital role in communities, providing support to people of all faiths and none.”

Lord Wajid Khan addresses guestsNational executive director for FaithAction, Daniel Singleton, said: "Faith isn’t just for crises.

"From COVID to the Afghan refugee crisis, the Ukrainian war, and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, faith organisations have built social capital that bridges communities. 

"This bridge allows for collaboration in crucial areas, such as when faith groups partnered with food banks to help deliver vaccines. These relationships have a lasting impact."

FaithAction is a national network of faith-based and community organisations committed to social action.

The Faith Covenant was created by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Faith and Society to support faith groups/organisations and local authorities to work together.