The Church of England's outgoing interfaith adviser has praised the Board of Deputies for its controversial statement with the Muslim Council of Britain during last year's Gaza conflict.

The Right Reverend Dr Toby Howarth said that the initiative had offered a "real sign of hope", at a Board reception yesterday to honour him and welcome his successor, the Reverend Mark Poulson.

Dr Howarth said the statement had shown "great courage and leadership - I want to pay tribute to that."

The unprecedented statement, issued last summer, denounced antisemitism but the Board was criticised by some Jews over its wording and for co-operating with the MCB.