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The BBC was engulfed in a holy war of words today after the man in charge of religious programmes admitted being a non-believer.

James Purnell was speaking on Radio 4’s Today programme to promote the Beeb’s commitment to setting up a new unit for improving religious coverage.

But the ex-Labour MP, appointed BBC director of radio and education last year, stunned many of the audience when he admitted having no religious beliefs.

Presenter Nick Robinson asked him, “Are you a religious man?” to which a flustered Mr Purnell replied: “I’m not.

“I’m an atheist but I think the issues around belief are incredibly important to how we live.”

(Image: PA)

Robinson asked him: “Is that not a problem though? You are head of the BBC’s religious programming, you got the job because the BBC decided to abolish the post of head of religious programming as a separate post usually held by a Christian, recently held by a Muslim.”

An increasingly tetchy Mr Purnell, 47, replied: “The vast majority of people in this country have a range of views – some people have very strong religious views, some people have strong atheistic views.

“Actually, the people who work at the BBC have a wide range of views. We all have different views, we leave them at the door to make great programmes.”

(Image: PA)

Listeners were outraged, with some calling for Mr Purnell to resign from his role of scheduling religious output.

Joan Winter, 50, of Warwick, said: “How on earth can he devote any care or attention to religious content if he thinks it’s all nonsense? If Mr Purnell had an ounce of integrity he would resign and let someone more suited to the role take over.”

The interview came as the BBC pledged to “raise our game” by increasing portrayal of all religions in mainstream shows.