Now he frequently cites his own transformation to justify his support for faith-based charity organizations.

They were also too suspicious of faith's potential for contributing to society behind every faith-based charity, they sensed the whiff of conversion and exclusivity.

Of the responses to the commission's recent consultation nearly 60 per cent were from faith-based charities - a telling statistic in itself.

These activities are best entrusted to private nonprofit organizations, which include churches and faith-based charities.