Sunday

There’s no Passion play on the streets of Chester this year, so the city’s Mystery Plays go online for the first time. In an exclusive interview with the papal biographer and journalist Austin Ivereigh, Pope Francis has given an insight into his life under lockdown amid the Covid-19 pandemic.Also, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the BBC's Middle East correspondent Yolande Knell reflect on the impact that coronavirus has had on Easter celebrations here in the UK and across the Holy Land.There are growing concerns about the conditions inside prisons during the coronavirus lockdown with up to 4 thousand low-risk offenders set for temporary release. The Anglican Bishop to Prisons, James Langstaff explains his concerns.And the Jewish Chronicle, one of the longest running Jewish newspapers in the world has announced it has ceased trading with the loss of jobs.Producers: Amanda Hancox Louise Clarke-RowbothamPicture Credit: Neil Kendall

The Covid pandemic has created ‘battlefield’ conditions for UK doctors who may soon have to make very difficult decisions about who to prioritise for life-saving treatment. Edward Stourton discusses the underlying ethical principles with Dominic Wilkinson, Professor of Medical Ethics at Oxford University; and Rev Dr Brendan McCarthy, National Adviser on Medical Ethics for The Church of England.Urban naturalist Bob Gilbert uncovers some of the native plants and trees in Britain that have a close association with the Easter story. Comedian Paul Kerensa has been listening and watching some of the online services that have sprung up and reports on some of the holy howlers when things didn't go entirely to plan.There are calls for some churches to reopen for private prayer. As well as practical questions about health and safety, the lockdown raises theological questions about the meaning and importance of scared space. Catholic Journalist Tim Stanley and the Anglican Bishop of Hertford Michael Beasley discuss.With

As the UK adapts to the social restrictions during the Covid-19 pandemic, Edward Stourton looks at the impact it is having on grieving families at funerals. How do you greet people in a time of social distancing? Shaunaka Rishi Das, Director of the Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies, tells Edward about the Hindu greeting known as the Namaste. Yahya Birt and the Bishop of Bradford, Toby Howarth pay tribute to the former Editor of Q News, Fuad Nahdi, who died last weekend. And why is Brazil's President keeping Churches open when the rest of the country is shutting down? Katy Watson explains.Producers: Amanda Hancox Rosie Dawson

The landscape for all faith communities has changed dramatically this week. The doors to churches, mosques, temples and cathedrals closed as communities do their bit to try and keep worshipers safe and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. But keeping those communities together and supporting them through a time of national crisis is proving to be challenging. Joining Edward Stourton to discuss how their faith communities are navigating the current crisis are the Rev Prof Gina Radford - a former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Imam Abid Khan from the Cheadle Mosque and Community Centre in Manchester and Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner - Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism.The main solution for many religions to the temporary closure of worship spaces, has been to start broadcasting services, prayers and devotional messages online. Sophia Smith-Galer has been taking a look at religion in the digital age and this week she took part in virtual reality Christian service in which the pastor was in the United Stat

In the coastal town of Folkestone, historians and archaeologists are celebrating a remarkable find. It dates from 7th Century and is thought to be the earliest verified remains of the English Saint Eanswythe – one of the first converts to Christianity in England. The BBC's Religion Editor, Martin Bashir, reports from Folkestone.Andrew Billen from The Times unpacks the dispute between the Dean of Christ Church College and the some of the academic staff that has cost over £2.5 million in legal fees and created damaging divisions.Italy is in lock-down as the entire nation has been quarantined to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Rome is a place of pilgrimage for millions of people but the Vatican and St Peters Square is closed to the public. Emily talks to Christopher Lamb, Tablet’s Rome correspondent, about the latest news and how coronavirus might impact Easter celebrations. Producers: Carmel Lonergan David CookEditor Amanda Hancox

Sophia Smith Galer reports on religious apps, in the first of a three part series for the BBC World Service Heart and Soul on religion in the digital age. To mark International Women’s Day we hear from three young women about what their faith means to them in 21st century Britain. And the BBC’s Laura Bickers tells Edward why a South Korean religious sect is being investigated over its links to the high number of Coronavirus confirmed cases in the country.Producers: Catherine Earlam, Helen Lee Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

The Vatican “Secret” archives will be opened on Monday – what new findings might emerge about Pope Pius X11 war time dealings? Historian David Kertzer and Lisa Billig,the American Jewish Committee's representative to the Holy See, talk about what they expect to discover. L'Arche communities around the world support people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them. Last week a community report concluded that it's founder Jean Vanier abused six adult women. Emily Buchanan talks to Professor Irene Tuffrey Wijne, a member of the Community, and Rev Hilary Ison on how churches and communities can be helped to come to terms with trauma. Andrew Selous MP became the Second Church Estates Commissioner last month. Appointed by the Crown, on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Second Church Estates Commissioner’s role is to act as a link between the Church of England and Parliament and to represent church concerns in the House. He discusses his new role and takes issue with a new report by th

One of England's largest 'doom' paintings has been restored in St Thomas's Church, Salisbury. These medieval paintings depict the moment when Christ judges souls to send them to either Heaven or Hell. Over the years many were painted over or damaged. William Crawley talks to Rev Kelvin Inglis about what the restoration of the Salisbury 'doom' painting has revealed. As the government announces more measures to crackdown on illegal schools, many of which have a religious character, we hear from Ruth Wareham from Humanists UK about the work they have been doing to uncover the scale of the issue and what more needs to be done. And the BBC’s White House reporter Tara McKelvey reports on Michael Bloomberg and asks if he can count on a block vote from the Jewish community as he strives to secure the Democrat nomination in the race for the Presidency.Producer: Catherine Earlam Peter Everett Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

Christian rap and grime artist Guvna B travels to the US to explore the fusion of gospel music and hip-hop The Church of England may have to pay out hundreds of millions of pounds to compensate survivors of sexual abuse following a unanimous vote at this week's General Synod. The Church's incoming Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, Rt Rev Jonathan Gibbs, put forward an amendment calling for serious money to be committed for redress and for a safeguarding policy reshaped by survivors. So is this really a new chapter for safeguarding in the Church of England? William speaks to Donna Birrell who was following the debate. This week Westminster Council turned down a planning application for a Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in Victoria Tower Gardens close to the Houses of Parliament. The Council said it contravenes rules on size, design and location. But aside from the planning issue there is a divide within the Jewish community as to whether the memorial should be built at all. We hear from Baroness Ruth Deec

Franklin Graham, president and CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association was scheduled to come to the UK for an 8 city tour beginning in May. As all the venues say they have cancelled his bookings Edward asks him why people appear to be uncomfortable with his visit and how he plans to respond. A clandestine operation carried out by one of the world’s most secretive intelligence agencies used a fake diving resort on the coast of Sudan to evacuate the ‘lost tribe’ of black Jews in Ethiopia. The true story of a remarkable rescue mission is told in a new book, Red Sea Spies by BBC Middle East journalist Raffi Berg. The Academy Awards will be held in Hollywood on Sunday night and The Two Popes is up for two awards with Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins both nominated. Stephen Brown, film critic on the Church Times, explains why there appears to be a mini boom in religious themed films.Producers: David Cook Louise Clarke-RowbothamSeries Producer: Amanda Hancox

The Church of England’s has its first official football team, founded by an ex-professional from Iran who is now a priest in Sunderland. Emily talks to Rev. Pauya Hedari, captain and founder of the newly-formed Archbishop of Canterbury FC, about this team that will be made up exclusively of priests.Ten years ago the case of a young Christian woman in Pakistan made headlines when she was sentenced to death for blasphemy. Her case was so controversial that two Pakistani politicians were later killed for publicly supporting her and criticising the country’s blasphemy laws. The lawyer Saif ul Malook represented Asia Bibi from 2014 until she was freed from death row. He tells Emily Buchanan about the threats he continues to face. How can St Benedict’s sixth-century Rule, work for the present day and the challenges we face? In his book “The Way of St Benedict” Rowan Williams explores the importance and influence of Benedict's Rule for modern times. Producers: Carmel Lonergan Catherien EarlamEditor: Amanda HancoxPho

To mark 75 years of liberation from the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp Frank Bright and Ziggy Shipper both survivors of the camp talk about their experiences. A loaf of bread based on an ancient recipe in the Old Testament has become the latest nutritional in thing. Victoria Beckham posted a picture of her breakfast of smashed avocado on a slice of toasted Ezekiel bread and others have been following suit. Sunday’s David Cook bakes some Ezekiel bread and Vanessa Kimble tells William Crawley about its prophesised nutritional value. The Eye As Witness is a new virtual reality exhibition exploring the political and moral motives for witnessing and recording the Holocaust. Reporter Vishva Samani went along to give it a try.Should the teaching of religion and Sex Education be compulsory in school? William Crawley discusses the reaction to the Welsh Government's decision to make the teaching of both mandatory in all schools. Producers: Rajeev Gupta and David Cook Series Producer: Amanda HancoxPhoto Credi

The true story of a Catholic, Austrian peasant farmer, who refused to pledge allegiance to Hitler but was let down by the Church is the subject of the film, A Hidden Life, out in cinemas this week. Bishop John Sherrington joins Sunday to discuss whether the film sheds new light on the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Nazis. This week came news that researchers in the US have created the first living machines by assembling cells from African clawed frogs into tiny robots that move around under their own steam. To discuss the possible ethical implications of this William Crawley is joined by Rev Dr Malcolm Brown, Director of Mission and Public Affairs for the Church of England, and Dr Yaqub Chaudhary, Research fellow in Experimental Science at The Cambridge Muslim College.And Sunday's David Cook reports on allegations of bullying at a flagship London synagogue. Producers: Catherine Earlam Louise Clarke-RowbothamSeries Producer: Amanda Hancox

Edward Stourton with the week's religious and ethical news.

Farah Jarral looks at the spirituality of the Bee. Long before we understood the ecological importance of the bee, it was already a precious symbol for many faiths and communities for centuries. Against a back drop of horrendous fires and floods engulfing the parts of the world, Celebration Earth is being launched. It’s an invitation to community groups, faith groups and large organisations to come together to celebrate the earth and help combat Climate change. Emily Buchanan discusses this new initiative with the conservationist Martin Palmer; Dr Chetna Kang, psychiatrist and Hindu priest and Munadiah Aftab, climate change campaigner for Islamic Relief UK. Also legal expert Joshua Rozenberg looks at the implications of a landmark employment tribunal case which this week has ruled that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief and ethical vegans should be entitled to similar legal protections in the workplace as those who hold religious beliefs. Producers Carmel Lonergan Catherine EarlamEditor Amanda Hanc

In the autumn of 1620, 102 passengers set sail from England aboard the Mayflower. Many of those sailing were Puritans, looking for the freedom to practice their religious ideas. Others wanted a fresh start in the New World. The treacherous journey took 66 days and as the Pilgrims established their new colony they battled harsh winters, disease and internal dissent.As the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s journey is about to be commemorated, Emily Buchanan explores the Pilgrim’s journey, their relationship with Native Americans and discovers how their political and religious beliefs helped shape modern America.Producers: David Cook Dan TierneySeries Producer: Amanda Hancox

As we approach Christmas, Emily Buchanan has been to Bethlehem to speak to the Christian community living there. The new Archbishop of York, Rt Rev Stephen Cotterell joins Edward Stourton live to to talk about his plans for his new role.Sue Peart was the Editor of the Mail on Sunday YOU magazine but in 2018 she stepped down from her post and a few months later her mother passed away. Struggling to cope, Sue kept the Samaritans number by her bedside “just in case”. When her life got back on track she decided to volunteer for Samaritans. She talks about the challenges of manning their phones at Christmas.For 37 years, Sir Stephen Cleobury was musical director of one of the world’s most famous choirs - King’s College, Cambridge. He died recently and the Sunday programme pays tribute to his work.Producers: Rajeev Gupta Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor: Amanda Hancox

Director Fernando Meirelles discusses his film The Two Popes.The role that religion played in the election has been described as unprecedented and worrying. Edward Stourton hears why with journalist Sunny Hundal and author Ben Ryan.And how to have a green and sustainable Christmas. Producers: Catherine Earlam Carmel LonerganSeries Producer: Amanda Hancox

Megan Phelps-Roper’s grew up in the Westboro Baptist Church. The church is notorious for its preaching against gay people, Jews, Muslims and for picketing the funerals of American soldiers and the American Holocaust museum. Megan has now changed her views and her life. She tells us what made her preach hate and what led to her eventual transformation.A new Netflix documentary charts the rise and fall of one of the worlds foremost Yoga “Gurus’” Bikram Choudhury. The film first traces how Choudhury built his “Bikram” empire of hot yoga studios, training celebrities and amassing devotees. However Bikram has been accused by some followers of sexual assault and his empire appears to be unraveling. Journalist Julia Henderson, a former Bikram devotee herself, uncovered some of the allegations against him and speaks to Edward about what she found.A couple who were rejected by their local adoption service because of their Indian heritage have won their legal discrimination battle. Sandeep and Reena Mander sued The Roy

In the aftermath of the attack on London Bridge Southwark Cathedral will have clergy available to listen and talk. Emily asks the Dean of Southwark Cathedral, Andrew Nunn, what the response has been from the community. The dean will also talk about how they will navigate through the weeks building up to Christmas as its the first Sunday in advent and what the plans are. Ahead of UN climate conference COP25 which starts in Madrid next week, Neil Thorns, Director of Advocacy & Communications at Catholic relief agency CAFOD and Chair of The Climate Coalition, talks about hopes and aspirations for the meeting and how the Catholic Church is about to embark on a major push on the environment. Police Constable Marie Reavey, Chair of the Christian Police Association, talks about a new resource to help faith based organisations partner with the police to help tackle social problems such as homelessness, isolation and addiction.Producers Carmel Lonergan Catherine EarlamEditor Amanda HancoxPicture copyright Southwa