Sunday

As two Labour politicians are suspended for making anti-Semitic remarks, William Crawley asks if we have a clear understanding of what anti-Semitism is. David Feldman - Pears Institute for the study of Antisemitism and Claire Fox from the Institute of Ideas debate.If Leicester City win at Manchester United on Sunday they will have won the Premier League against all the odds. Bob Walker hears how fans of all faiths have been brought together by this epic journey.There have been protests in Turkey after a senior politician suggested that the country should have a religious constitution. Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.Professor Anthea Butler remembers the American peace activist, poet and Jesuit priest Fr Daniel Berrigan who has died at the age of 94.An international group of bishops, priests and nuns have written to Pope Francis urging him to change the Vatican's "medieval" practices for investigating unorthodox views. Fr Brian Darcy tells us why he signed the letter.Butterfly and Blood is a musical perform

For 1000 years, Ashkenazi Jews have been forbidden to eat foods classed as 'Kitniyot' (e.g. rice, corn, beans, legumes) during Passover. But now authorities in the US have lifted this ban which means that Ashkenazi Jews can eat a variety of foodstuffs from Sushi to Popcorn. Charles Carroll reports.This week, the Foreign Office issued advice for LGBT people travelling to the US because of new 'religious freedom' laws allowing individuals and institutions to deny services to LGBT customers on religious grounds. Concerns have been raised about the All Party Parliamentary Group on RE which has removed the promotion of non religious world views from its remit. Kevin Bocquet investigates.For a number of years, he was referred to as 'The artist formerly known as Prince' but did you know that he was also formerly known as a Jehovah's Witness? Not many people in the UK were aware that pop superstar Prince - who died this week - was a member of this church or that his music reflected his Christian faith.The Vatican has

Presenter William Crawley hears reaction to Pope Francis' visit to Lesbos, and explores the significance of the joint approach to the migrant crisis by the Catholic and Orthodox churches.Ahead of the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death, Trevor Barnes reports on the religion of Shakespeare's England, and the influence of the Bible on his language.This week's Channel 4 documentary "What British Muslims really think", has been heavily criticised by members of Muslim communities for putting across what they see as a skewed picture of Islam in Britain. The programme's executive producer Samir Shah and author and activist Shelina Janmohamed discuss.Liz Leonard examines the current religious landscape of Scotland, in light of the recent Scottish Social Attitudes survey which suggests that most people in Scotland are 'not religious'.What is it like to live in Britain as a member of the persecuted Ahmadi Muslim sect? Author Adil Khan profiles the history and beliefs of Ahmadis following the discovery of l

As the Panama Papers continue to shine a light on the off shore world, Edward Stourton talks to Robert Paterson, Bishop of Soder and Man, about whether tax avoidance is ever morally acceptable.Geoff Bird reports on the little known story of Francis Asbury, the English-born former blacksmith's apprentice who is credited with putting American Methodism on the denominational map.Pope Francis' much anticipated Exhortation on the Family was published Friday. Does it fall short of marking any real change or amount to a call for the transformation in the attitude rather than doctrine of the Church? Edward is joined by Madelaine Teahan, Associate Editor of the Catholic Herald, Bishop Peter Doyle and the Guardian's Joanna Moorhead.There is no change on the ban on divorced and remarried Catholics taking Communion in the Exhortation. But the document does urge couples and the Church to take marriage preparation seriously. Bob Walker reports on what it means and whether it works.In the on-going anti-Semitism row in the L

Revelations that senior members of two mosques in Scotland have held office in a proscribed organisation have raised fears of a 'power crisis' in some British mosques. Edward chairs a panel to discuss and debate these concerns.Deans from Anglican cathedrals gather in Liverpool for their annual conference next week. On the agenda, how to use the cathedral space to maximise revenue. Kevin Bocquet hears how pop concerts help bring in funds for salaries and roof repairs.Jasvinder Sanghera is the founder of Karma Nirvana, a charity that supports victims and survivors of forced marriage and honour based abuse. She tells Edward how her story contributed to the BBC 1 drama 'Murdered by my Father'. Support groups: http://bbc.in/1ULsaNJThe publicity-shy Alawite community in Syria have released a document setting out their views on the future of the country, refusing to support President Bashar al-Assad, who is himself an Alawite. Professor Michael Kerr explains why they have done this now.The Anglican Consultative Coun

Religious and ethical news.

The clearance of the migrant camp in Calais has raised concerns about the welfare of unaccompanied minors there. Kevin Bocquet reports on the efforts being made to offer young migrants a home in the UK.Lord Jonathan Sacks, the former Chief Rabbi of the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth, has been awarded the 2016 Templeton Prize. He tells Edward how he plans to use the award.A Chinese court has sentenced a Christian pastor to 14 years in jail for embezzlement after he protested about the forced removal of crosses from buildings. Martin Palmer discusses China's relationship with organised religion.There has been uproar in Pakistan after the government executed Mumtaz Quadri, for the killing in 2011 of the Governor of Punjab for his criticism of the country's blasphemy laws. Shaaima Khalil reports from Islamabad and author Innes Bowen explains how some Muslims in the UK have reacted to the death of Quadri.New high resolution images of the three mosaic domes of St Paul's Cathedral's Quire ceiling ha

As the EU Referendum campaigns get underway, Edward Stourton speaks to two Christians on opposite sides of the argument who are both taking to social media to garner support for their views. Adrian Hilton runs the influential Cranmer blog; Michael Sadgrove is the emeretus dean of Durham.A cross-party group of peers has written to the Prime Minister urging him to put pressure on the UN Security council to declare the assaults on Christians in Syria and the Middle East a Genocide. John Pontifex from "Aid to the Church in Need" tells Edward why the term is appropriate and the positive effects that the designation could have.The Church in Wales has parachuted an American religious leader in to the diocese of St Asaph to help its churches re-connect with their communities. Mark Yaconelli explains his approach to Edward. Paul Chambers, a sociologist of religion, explains why religion in Wales has declined more steeply than in the rest of the UK.Cardinal George Pell will be giving evidence to the Australian Royal Co

The Sunday programme investigates allegations that the Jehovah's Witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. Was this in contravention of Section 21 of the Inquiries Act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment? Katy Watson reports from Mexico City as Pope Francis begins his historic trip there.As the BBC launches a series of programmes about mental health, Trevor Barnes goes inside the oldest psychiatric hospital in Britain to meet the mental health chaplains who work there.Rosie Dawson explores the Christian festival of Lent through the mindful reflection of art in six of Manchester's most iconic venues.A new book by Rev Steve Chalke, founder of the youth and community charity Oasis, claims initiatives to 'prevent' young people from being exposed to negative and dangerous radicalisation can only go so far.The Church of England say they have 'won the war' on payday loan companies. William asks Eric Leenders from the British Bankers A

The Israeli government has announced plans to build a mixed gender prayer section at the Western wall. Campaigners are celebrating a groundbreaking decision, but Palestinians, the ultra Orthodox and archaeologists are not happy. We hear from Anat Hoffman from "Women of the Western Wall". Journalist Judy Maltz gives us the background.Next Tuesday Hampton court chapel will host what is believed to be the first Catholic service since the Reformation. Trevor Barnes charts the chapel's religious and musical history during the Tudor era, as the country switched back and forth between the Catholic and Protestant faiths.The victim of alleged assault by the former Bishop of Chichester George Bell, who was awarded compensation by the Church of England last year, has broken her silence to speak about her experience. Edward speaks to Joel Adams from the Brighton Argus.The Catholic diocese of Salford is touring shopping centres through Lent on its "Mercy Bus" - Rosie Dawson gets on board.A report released by Cambridge Uni

Edward Stourton asks: is it human nature to believe in God? He is joined by Dominic Johnson and Conor Cunningham to discuss.Bob Walker reports on a BBC English Regions poll that reveals that almost three-quarters of England's Anglican cathedrals say they're 'worried' or 'very worried' that they're not going to be able to fund cathedral costs in two years' time.The suicide of Rohith Chakravarti Vemula at Hyderabad University has reignited caste controversies in India. Rahul Tandon reports from Dehli.On Monday all eyes in America will be on Iowa, it's the 1st leg of the caucuses that will decide on the presidential candidates for the election in November. Alexander Smith talks to Edward about what role religion plays in the presidential race.Catholic clergy are expected to join a demonstration in Rome this weekend to promote traditional family life. Christopher Lamb explains its significance and timing as Italian politicians debate a gay unions bill this week. Meanwhile in the UK, Professor David Voas looks at

For the next three years the US Episcopal Church will not be able to participate fully in the Anglican Communion. That's the decision of the Primates' Meeting held this week in Canterbury.It's a consequence of the Episcopal Church's decision to recognise same sex marriage and homosexuality. The church has also had a number of privileges withdrawn. The Rt. Rev. Mariann Budde, Bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington DC gives Edward Stourton her reaction.Reporter Trevor Barnes has been following the Primates' meeting. He reports on how the Archbishop of Canterbury's efforts to prevent a split of the global church were received and assesses reaction to the final communique.It's a right that dates back to the Councils of Carthage, that of being able to seek sanctuary from the state in a church. Today, this practice is hardly ever recognised by governments but in Germany it's been revived as a last resort for refugees threatened with deportation. Joe Miller reports from Bavaria.This Sunday, Pope Francis will

There's much speculation ahead of the gathering of Anglican leaders at Canterbury next week. Will they all show up? How soon will someone walk out? It is unlikely they will reach a common agreement about the issue of homosexuality which has divided the Communion for more than ten years but might they at least disagree well? Two leading British evangelicals discuss the art of good disagreement.The Pope' has a new book out. Actually, it's a record of a conversation between Pope Francis and Italian journalist Andrea Tornielli and it centres on the subject that the Pope seems to want to see as the hallmark of his Pontificate. "The name of God is mercy" will be launched in 80 languages on Tuesday, but Edward speaks in advance of publication to Andrea Tornielli.The cost of kosher living is on the rise. The 'Kosher Chicken Index'calculates that food costs, synagogue fees and a house in the right area can add £13,000 a year to the bills of an observant Jewish family.The consultation period on government proposals to

We ask: what is the theological meaning behind New Year resolutions and do they make us Happy? William Crawley is joined by Rosie Harper, vicar of Great Missenden, Rabbi Dovid Lewis and life coach Susanna Halonen to discuss.Mark Vernon gives an insight into how ancient Greek philosopher's viewed the future as we embark on 2016.Religious journalist Ruth Gledhill looks ahead to what religious stories will be in the news in 2016.A vicar in Stoke claims foreign worshippers can "save the Church in England", Bob Walker looks at how and meets migrants and refugees using Anglican Churches as their new place of worship.The seventh of January marks the first anniversary of the deadly assault on the French satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. The shooting, was a wake-up call for one young French Muslim, Mohamed Chirani. He's now training to be a prison chaplain. Our reporter John Laurenson went along to meet him.William talks to Bill Law, a Middle East analyst, about the religious significance of the execution of the promi

A Sunday programme special on the relationship between Religion and Art. For centuries the visual medium was used extensively to tell stories from key religious texts. It was a powerful and effective way of communicating religion to the illiterate masses. Today the masses are literate but biblical illiteracy is at an all-time high. So in this special edition of Sunday we ask what does religious art mean in the 21st Century. How do modern artists interpret religion in their work? Is art used more to challenge religion than to express religious ideas? It's often said that art galleries are the new cathedrals, places where those who are outside the church explore Life's big questions; what challenge does that pose to the churches? How do religions of the Book engage with increasingly visual cultures, and when does one person's freedom of expression cross the line to become offensive or insulting to others?Producers: Rosie Dawson Zaffar IqbalSeries Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Should the Archbishop of Canterbury 'apologise for the Church's mistake in its response to homosexuality around the world'? That's the call by the Very Revd Prof Martyn Percy, Dean of Christ Church, Oxford who has written an essay on the topic ahead of the next month's meeting of Primates. He debates with Canon Dr Chris Sugden from Anglican Mainstream.The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has said Burundi is on the cusp of a civil war. Dr Phil Clark from SOAS looks at the tensions in the country and Tearfund's Country Director Emmanuel Murangira explains how they are responding. This week police in Rome seized 3,500 fake "Apostolic Blessings." Catholic writer Michael Walsh explains what they are and why they are so coveted.Bob Walker reports from the National Civil War Centre where they are marking Yuletide by, 'sitting on the fence'. Christmas was a big point of division amongst the sides fighting the British Civil War in the 17th century; mince pies were banned and churches raided to ensure they were no

In the last two weeks over three thousand people in Iceland have joined a spiritual organization that follows Zuism, the religion of the ancient Sumerian people. It's become so popular there are now more Zuists than Muslims in the country. So is a crisis of faith pushing people towards this ancient form or worship or are there other motives? Holger Páll Sæmundsson, a recent convert and one of the leading 'elders' talks to Edward.The number of Muslims attacked each week in London has more than tripled since the terrorist attacks on Paris attacks last month. Trevor Barnes has been talking to the Metropolitan police about the rise in incidents, and to Muslims who have experienced them.Pope Francis has launched the Year of Mercy by opening the Holy Door at St Peter's Basilica in Rome, the first time it has been opened since the turn of the century.Cardinal Vincent Nichols tells Sunday what the Year of Mercy might mean - for individual Catholics, the wider Church and the World.There's a new trend in Advent calenda

This week William Crawley presents a special programme on the future of Religious Education in the UK.We join primary school teacher Juliet Lanyon and her class as they learn about Buddhism. She talks about the challenges of being an RE teacher and how her school navigates through the 100s of syllabuses that are available.Alan Brine, former OFSTED inspector in charge of RE, tells William why he is 'annoyed' by the Department for Education as it fails to respond to calls for the subject to be overhauled.Bob Walker assesses the role of state funded faith schools - do they work or are they counterproductive for social cohesion.?Is there a place for 'collective worship' or 'religious observance' in UK schools? A report out this week urges governments to review the duty of collective worship in schools, Dr Alison Mawhinney from Bangor University explains and also tells us about RE in Wales.So what RE should be taught in schools? William discuss the future of religious education in the light of recommendations to b

It's become as much a ritual as putting out sherry and mince pies for Santa. Every year thousands of school pupils up and down the country fill shoe boxes with Christmas gifts for needy children overseas. But, as Trevor Barnes discovers, questions have been raised about the agenda and ethos of the organisation, Samaritans Purse, behind this philanthropic endeavour.The Rev Val Bexton set off on foot for Paris a fortnight ago with a group of Christian campaigners concerned about climate change. Within hours they learned of the terrorist attacks and the city they arrived in this weekend was a far more sober one than they had anticipated. She sends us her audio diary. Meanwhile Christoph Nuttall, director of the R20 Regions of Climate Action, set up by Arnold Schwarzenegger, tells Sunday what he thinks can and cannot be achieved at COP21.The Pope's trip to Africa draws to a close with a visit to a mosque in the troubled Central African Republic. The BBC's Religious Affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt is with him

Following the worst terror attack in Europe for over a decade we hear from John Laurenson as he talks to people on the streets of Paris and hears from the faith communities about how they are trying to make sense of the horror on across the city on Friday night.As flowers are laid outside French Embassies across the world, Trevor Barnes hears from members of the French community in London attending a mass at the Catholic Notre Dame du France Church and Christians and Muslims holding a vigil in Trafalar Square.In accepting responsiblity for the Paris atrocities, the so-called Islamic State claimed the attacks were a reprisal for French air-strikes in Syria. William Crawley discusses to what extent religious belief and theology are a driving force behind this group with Dr Katherine Brown, an expert in political Islam at King's College London, Dr Sara Silvestri who teaches International Politics at St Edmund's College, Cambridge and Haras Rafiq, Managing Director of the Quilliam Foundation.Also in the programme