Prayer is intergral to the whole process of healing

Rt Rev John Perry, Bishop of Chelmsford

But it warns that there is nothing predictable about faith healing - except the assurance of God's love and care.

It adds that the healing ministry is one of the greatest opportunities the Church has for 'sharing the Gospel'.

All Church of England clergy will receive a handbook on the development of good practice.

The report supports ecumenical co-operation in the ministry of healing and recommends improved training for clergy and laity alongside the adoption of guidelines for good practice.

Links with the medical and caring professions should be encouraged, says the report.

It also recommends the setting up of a review group to assess the compatibility with Christian teaching of widely used forms of complementary medicine and alternative therapies.

The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt. Rev. John Perry said the evidence that faith healing works was "overwhelming".

He said: "Prayer is intergral to the whole process of healing."

Faith healing did not substitute for traditional medicine, he said, but might complement it.

"The church has always sought to work hand in hand with those in the medical profession."

Gareth Tuckwell is a former GP who conducts healing services.

He said: "As I stand at the door and see people going out of church it is amazing how many lives are touched and, as I hear later on, are changed through the presence of Jesus in their lives."

Dennis Cobell, a nurse for 25 years and president of the Secular Society, questioned whether faith healing was offering anything more than the same positive effect that could be achieved by "the warmth of human comfort".