The BBC has hired a man who describes himself as an "open-hearted agnostic" as its new head of religion and ethics.
The BBC veteran, Alan Bookbinder, will represent the BBC on all religious matters, across all faiths and all media.
The appointment could rattle religious leaders in the UK because Mr Bookbinder is half Jewish, half-Catholic, and is the first non-Christian to become the BBC's head of religion since the role was created in 1933.
But the BBC today insisted being a Christian was not a job requirement.
A spokeswoman said: "What the BBC sees as key attributes for the job are a passion for the subject matter, an impeccable programme-making record and creative leadership for the religion department.
"Membership of a particular faith has never been a requirement for the job."
Mr Bookbinder, 45, takes up his post at the end of this month and will work "to develop an editorial strategy for religion, faith and ethics programming which reflects spiritual life in the UK today," the BBC said.
He is an executive producer in the BBC's science department and has worked on various programmes with religious and ethical themes, including Missionaries, The People's Pope, The Human Body, Ancient Apocalypse and Under the Sun.
During his 20 years at the BBC, Mr Bookbinder has also worked as a chief adviser in the BBC's editorial policy unit, advising programme makers on ethical and taste issues.
Mark Thompson, the BBC director of television, said: "The BBC has a role to play in provoking debate about these issues as well as holding a mirror up to our multi-faith, multi-cultural society.
"Alan Bookbinder's role as head of religion and ethics will be to encourage the coverage of spiritual issues across the BBC's schedules."
Mr Bookbinder will also be responsible for any BBC religious output on the internet and radio.