The BBC has received 115 complaints over its appointment of the first Muslim to the role of head of religion and ethics. Channel 4 executive Aaqil Ahmed was confirmed in the post on Monday, becoming only the second non-Christian – after agnostic Alan Bookbinder in 2001 – in the BBC’s 87-year history to be appointed to the role. It is understood the “vast majority” of the complaints are about Ahmed not being a Christian.

Guardian, 16 May 2009