BBC appoints an agnostic as head of religious programmes

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Leading article: Doubtful practices

A decision by the BBC to appoint an agnostic as its head of religious programming could drive the church away from mainstream broadcasting, critics warned yesterday.

Alan Bookbinder, who describes himself as an "open-hearted agnostic", was named yesterday as the successor to the Rev Ernie Rea as the head of religion and ethics. A BBC veteran with a Jewish father and Catholic mother, he is the first non-Christian to hold the post since it was created in 1933.

The choice was welcomed by the Church of England and the Roman Catholic Church. But the million-strong Evangelical Alliance said it might drive the church to alternative forms of communication such as niche channels. Joel Edwards, the general director of the alliance, said: "He is not an active member of any faith community ... Would the BBC appoint a head of sport who knows nothing about football? I think not."

Mark Thompson, the BBC's director of television, said: "The BBC has a role to play in provoking debate about these issues as well as holding a mirror to our multifaith society." A spokeswoman said Mr Bookbinder, who moves from the BBC science department this month, would work "to develop an editorial strategy which reflects spiritual life in the UK".