The Chief Rabbi Lord Sacks will take part in a discussion with leading atheist Professor Richard Dawkins in a BBC festival exploring religion and ethics in contemporary society.

The two-day event, entitled Re:think 2012, in September will be hosted by the BBC Religion and Ethics at its centre in Salford.

Aaqil Ahmed, head of BBC religion and ethics, said: “BBC Re:think 2012 is the place where those at the heart of faith, politics and philosophy can meet, and discuss the role of faith and ethics in modern society and the challenges facing us in the 21st century.

"It’s an exiting development and something that fills a gaping hole in the understanding of religion in the world today.”