THE British Humanist Association (BHA) will hold a one-day conference about the role of religious organisations in politics, education and state-funded public services.

Religion and Politics don't mix? will take place at the Station Hotel in Newcastle on July 7, from 10am to 4pm.

Peter Cordell, presenter of BBC Radio Newcastle's Thank God It's Thursday programme, will chair a debate between Canon David Whittington, director of the Durham Diocesan Board of Education, and David Pollock, BHA trustee and director of the Rationalist Press.

They will discuss whether the state should fund religious and humanist organisations to provide public services.

There will also be talks by Dr Alan Haworth, of the University of North London, and Robert Ashby, founder member of the Humanist Philosophers' Group and BHA director.

Tickets cost £10 (£5 for students) and can be booked on 0207-430 0908.