Faith for Tony Blair is about “tangible, collection action,” including “making someone smile, improving the environment and providing concrete assistance to the poor.”

The former Prime Minister, a Roman Catholic, makes the comments in a video message in which he endorses Mitzvah Day, the interfaith good day on Monday, November 15th.

Started two years ago in Britain by the Jewish Community (Mitzvah in Hebrew means Good Deed), though it has existed for years in America, Mitzvah Day is fast becoming an interfaith day of social action.

Thousands of Jewish, Hindu and Christian volunteers will get involved on November 15th in community projects, including shopping for the elderly, cleaning graveyards, and collecting money for charity.

Mr Blair who runs the Tony Blair Faith Foundation says “Mitzvah Day reminds us of one of the true purposes of faith: actions not words.. It challenges people of all faiths to ask themselves how their faith leads them to make a difference in a practical way... This for me is what faith is all about..”

He adds: “One small act can make a huge difference. Thousands can make a huge force for change.”

www.mitzvahday.org.uk