RE Council members were delighted to learn of the award of an MBE to Professor Brian Gates in the New Year Honours for services to interfaith relations and to the RE Council.  This gives well deserved public acknowledgement to Brian's tireless work in championing religious education.  He has been a key figure in the development of the RE Council which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.  We would like to congratulate Brian on this recognition of his excellent work, which has been of vital significance in the world of RE.