Sunday

Elena Curti talks to Emily Buchanan about her new book “Fifty Catholic Churches to See Before You Die”. A treasure trove of places of worship from hidden gems to gothic, revival masterpieces, it offers a new way of understanding the history of Catholicism as expressed in its churches.For the first time The Church of England has announced a scheme offering financial support to abuse survivors. Emily gets reaction from one survivor and talks to the Church’s Lead Bishop for Safeguarding, the Rt Rev Jonathan Gibbs, about how he hopes this will pave the way to a full redress scheme in the near future.Renovation work at the Manchester Jewish Museum has uncovered a time capsule that was placed under the ceremonial corner stone in 1873 when the synagogue was under construction. The museum’s CEO Max Dunbar tells Emily what he can see inside the sealed glass capsule and what it tells us about the community at the time.Producer:Catherine Earlam Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Series Producer:Amanda Hancox

Manchester Camerata will be running a series of online films called “Untold” from Thursday, commissioned and curated by the orchestra. The first film is “Caroline”. Violinist Caroline Pether talks about her story of struggling with acceptance as a gay christian woman, set to music and prose by poet Jackie kay. This Sunday is World Day of Migrants and Refugees and we hear from Cardinal Vincent Nichols who will highlight his concerns about the current situation.When Catholic priest Father Matthew Hood looked at a video of his own baptism he realised he wasn’t a priest after all. He explains to William Crawley why the use of "I" instead of "we" made all the theological difference.Producers Carmel Lonergan David CookEditor Amanda Hancox

Leroy Logan spent his 30-year career with the Metropolitan Police trying to change it from within. He describes his decision to join the police as a ‘calling’. His autobiography, ‘Closing Ranks’ is out this week and he discusses policing, race and faith with Edward Stourton. The Eternal Wall of Answered Prayer got the planning permission green light this week but what about the prayers of none-Christian believers? Edward Stourton talks to Richard Gamble whose dream for a massive Christian monument is fast becoming a reality. And the woman behind the campaign for a pardon, apology and memorial to the two and half thousand people - mostly women - accused of witchcraft in the 16th to 18th century - Claire Mitchell QC joins the programme. Producer:Catherine Earlam Rosie Dawson Series Producer:Amanda Hancox

The Law Commission is reviewing wedding law which it says “has failed to keep pace with modern life”. Prof Nicholas Hopkins of the Law Commission explains why the current law is problematic and what changes are being proposed. And given the significant ramifications of those changes for religious weddings, Ed Stourton discusses their potential impact with Rev Bruce Thompson, Chair of the Lincolnshire Methodist District, and the theologian and author, Rev Dr Ian Paul.Next week sees the launch of two international faith-based environmental programmes: a commitment by more than one hundred faith organisations to draw up long-term plans to protect the planet; and a 10-year programme to record billions of personal stories from around the world. Under the banner ‘Celebration Earth’, the projects aim to challenge environmental messages of destruction and gloom to inspire hope and practical change.Its 750 years since the arrival of the ‘Holy Blood’ at Hailes Abbey in Gloucestershire. The relic was believed to be a po

In this special edition of Sunday celebrating 50 years of religious news and current affairs broadcasting, we are joined by one of the great religious and philosophical thinkers of our time, Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, to discuss the media's changing relationship with religion and Judaism and his hopes for the future. The Sunday programme has Manchester in it's DNA, broadcasting from the area for the past 26 years. The Mayor of Manchester Andy Burnham talks to Emily Buchanan about Manchester, community, politics and faith. And Emily is joined by a panel of young people of different faiths to discuss identity, race and religion in 2020 and to hear what they want to see in the reporting of religion into the future. Producer: Catherine Earlam Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

This week, a lost medieval sacristy used by 13th century monks has been discovered in the grounds of Westminster Abbey along with hundreds of bodies and many artefacts. William Crawley speaks to Warwick Rodwell, Consultant Archaeologist to Westminster Abbey about the find.The Good Childhood Report by the Children's Society says that UK teenagers have the lowest levels of life satisfaction across most of Europe, which often results in fear of failure. Mark Russell, Chief Executive at The Children’s Society discusses the report.Christian Climate Action has issued a joint statement on behalf of Christians, including four Church of England vicars and a Catholic priest, who have been arrested for their part in past Extinction Rebellion protests. In the statement they say they are willing to risk being arrested or support others who may be. William discusses whether having a Christian faith justifies breaking the law with Signatory Reverend Helen Burnett and Professor Christopher Finlay, Durham University.Producers

A Hebrew spell book which tells you how to keep your love alive is part of a fascinating exhibition of Jewish manuscripts on display at the British Library. The Library's Lead Curator of Hebrew and Christian Orient Collections, Ilana Tahan, talks to William Crawley about this spellbinding exhibition. A Sikh British man has been detained in Indian for almost three years without charge. Indian police claim he was involved in a plot to kill Hindu politicians. Jagtar Singh Johal's brother, Gurpreet, talks to William Crawley about the case.And after weeks of intense focus on exam results, The Church of England’s Lead Bishop for Education, the Rt Rev Paul Butler calls for a renewed focus on schools re-opening in September. Producers: Catherine Earlam Rosie Dawson Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

Pilgrimage, the journeying on foot to holy places, which was once banned by Henry VIII has undergone a revival in Britain in recent years. Nick Mayhew-Smith, co-author of a new book which illustrates 500 historic routes and sites with practical instructions on how to find them, explains the appeal of this ancient tradition.The Church of England’s governing body, the Archbishops’ Council has been reported to the head of the Charity Commission for its failure, ‘to devise a safe, consistent and fair system of redress for victims of abuse.’ The letter of complaint signed by survivors, senior lawyers and members of the General Synod is critical of the church’s handling of abuse allegations and calls for the entire safeguarding process to be reformed. Donna Birrell reports on the letter and hears from two of the signatories. The church’s lead bishop for safeguarding, Dr Jonathan Gibbs responds to the complaints and outlines what he is doing to change the church’s approach to safeguarding.This week, the UK and Franc

Ed Stourton and guests reflect on the life and beliefs of John Hume, the politician widely credited with crafting the Irish peace process, who died this week at the age of 83.We get the latest news and analysis following the devastating explosion in Beirut. The Jehovah’s Witnesses and survivors of abuse will appear at the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sex Abuse this week. One survivor calls for the organisation to apologise for what he says are inadequate policies which have failed to protect children. We assess the significance of Pope Francis' appointment of six women including former Labour minister Ruth Kelly to the Council for the Economy which oversees Vatican finances. According to the former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams the COVID pandemic has triggered a “historic spiritual moment.” The increase in app downloads and online classes suggests more people are seeking spiritual practices. This summer on Sunday we are going to explore some of them, beginning this week with yoga therapy.Produc

This week is the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A group of international leaders founded by Nelson Mandela called 'The Elders' is calling on people across the globe to reflect, pause and recognise the scale of the nuclear tragedy and they are inviting people to join them in crafting an origami paper crane and adding a message of hope. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, is an Elder and she tells Edward Stourton why the unravelling of nuclear arms controls and the escalation of nuclear proliferation is still a global existential threat. The decision by the Dean and Chapter of Sheffield Cathedral to disband the choir has been criticised by former choir members and parents of current singers. They tell us why they are unhappy about the move to refresh the cathedral's musical offering and build a choir that reflects the diversity of the city. The Dean, the Very Reverend Peter Bradley joins us live to explain why he had to close this choir so he can 'build the best, if no

The Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry is the first African American to serve as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. He talks candidly about the soul of America, his hopes and fears post the Coronavirus pandemic, and his concerns about the what he calls a "pandemic of deep and entrenched racism".Until recently, Muslims in Sudan could be sentenced to death for converting to Christianity; even discussing other religions could lead to arrest. Former British Ambassador to Sudan, Dame Rosalind Marsden explains why the liberalisation of such laws in Sudan is a significant step in the country’s development towards a stable and peaceful future.In an exclusive interview with the Dean of Westminster Abbey, Dr David Hoyle, talks about the "breathtaking" loss of income the Abbey has incurred as a result of Coronavirus. Dr Hoyle tells the BBC's Religion Editor, Martin Bashir, the steps he might have to take in order to preserve one of the Nation's most historic buildings.Producers Carmel Lonergan Rosie DawsonEditor A

Two prominent church leaders, Rev Lucy Winkett and Rev Sam Wells, tell Emily Buchanan about the dire financial situation faced by their iconic London churches due the impact of Covid-19.A new report claims university campuses can be hostile environments for Muslim students, especially those with visible religious identities. Three students share their experiences and one of the report’s authors Professor Alison Scott-Baumann explains what the research discovered about why. The Philanthropy Revolution - Lisa Greer talks to Emily about her new approach to giving and raising money.Sunday continues to examine the issue of racism within the faith world. This week Emily hears from a trainee preacher Anthony Boeteng who raised the issue at the recent Methodist Conference and she asks the new president of the Methodist Conference, Rev Richard Teal what action the church is taking to address it. Producers:Catherine Earlam Amanda Hancox

Greyfriars Kirk in Edinburgh is well known for the statue of the small Skye terrier, Greyfriars Bobby. It commemorates the dog’s loyalty after it guarded the grave of his owner for 14 years. Celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary have been cancelled because of Corona virus but the Rev Richard Frazer, Minister of Greyfriars Kirk, tells Emily why people are being encouraged to model their own statues of the iconic dog as part of the celebrations. In August the Jehovah’s Witnesses will give evidence to the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sex Abuse. Submissions will also be heard from survivors who have criticised the church’s handling of abuse allegations. Their appearance comes as campaigners around the world are questioning why the religion is restructuring the organisation and selling off substantial amounts of property. Sunday’s - David Cook has been investigating.The newly confirmed Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell joins Emily to talk about the challenges he faces post pandemic in the Church, the nee

Pre-pandemic times saw Britain’s roads sprinkled with cyclists but they were mainly white, male and clad in lycra. Cycle Sisters in East London challenges this stereo-type because it’s a cycle group for Muslim women. There is a high proportion of ethnic minority families living in the part of Leicester where the highest number of Covid-19 cases have been recorded. Suleman Nagdi, from Leicester’s Federation of Muslim Organisations, talks to Edward about how the Muslim community is feeling as the city experiences its second lockdown.The CEO of World Vision UK, Mark Sheard, and Bernadette Fisher, Director of Brentwood Catholic Children’s Society, discuss how churches can support parents to help their children process the coronavirus crisis. Bishop Jonathan Ruhumuliza has been offered a job as a priest by the Diocese of Manchester despite twice having been refused asylum in the UK (on the grounds that he was a “genocide denier”). In 2014, he was finally allowed to stay in Briton on appeal, the immigration tribuna

Hajj will be held on a much smaller scale this year with a very limited number of pilgrims from various nationalities who already reside in Saudi Arabia able to perform it. Emily asks Dr Carool Kersten from Kings College, London, what took the authorities so long and what impact has this had on Muslims world wide? For religious groups everywhere, lock-down has been a huge challenge. With places of worship and religious centres shuttered, maintaining a sense of community hasn’t been easy. It’s a particular problem for Russia’s Jewish community, which – 30 years after the fall of communism - is still recovering from decades of state-sponsored Antisemitism. Our Moscow correspondent Steve Rosenberg reports on what the Jews of Russia have been doing to build a community and the efforts they’re taking during the pandemic to preserve it. With places of worship opening for weddings from the 4th of July we hear from one couple who have been waiting in limbo to hear whether their postponed big day could go ahead and

“The Journey – Leo’s story” is a new app created by the National Holocaust Centre and Museum on the theme of the Kindertransport. The role-play story app follows Leo, a young boy forced to flee Nazi Germany. Marc Cave, Chief Executive of the National Holocaust Centre and Museum and children involved in trialling the app talk about how it reveals the true horror faced by German Jews during WWII.This week the government announced that it is merging the Department for International Development and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. The former Archbishop of Canterbury and Chair of Christian Aid - Dr Rowan Williams - expresses his concerns about the way in which the UK's aid budget will be administered in the future.The Board of Deputies of British Jews have launched a Commission into Racial Inclusivity ‘to banish prejudice and promote inclusion’. Nadine Batchelor-Hunt is a writer and journalist. She describes what it is like to be black and Jewish. Stephen Bush, Political Editor of the New Statesman and Chair o

The government will shortly launch an independent review to consider whether Post Office Ltd has learned lessons from the Horizon dispute and court case, and made the changes needed to ensure a similar case cannot happen again. The Church of England also has a part in this story as Paula Vennells, former Post Office Ltd CEO and current Chair of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is also a non-stipendiary priest in the diocese of St Albans. There have been a number of complaints to her Bishop about whether she should continue to be a priest, William Crawley asks are these justified? To mark Carer’s Week, we talk to Chris (80) and Cheryl (75) who are facing extra challenges during lock-down as they care for their 47 year old daughter Natasha.Not all faith communities have welcomed the government announcement that places of worship can open on June 15th for private prayer. To explain why, William is joined by Rabbi Nicky Liss from the Highgate Synagogue in north London, Hassan Joudi who is Deputy Secretary G

As America mourns the death of George Floyd - with memorial services and protests across the country - we ask what impact his death has had on the black community in the UK and what changes they would like to see. Edward Stourton discusses the issues with Aliyah Hasinah from Black Lives Matter UK and Ruth Yimika Afolabi founder of Magnify magazine.The pictures of President Trump standing outside St John's Episcopal Church just across the road from the White House, bible in hand , have been interpreted as a direct appeal to his religious base. Donald Trump has long enjoyed the support of American Christians, especially white evangelicals, and it’s this relationship that journalist and author Sarah Posner discusses on the programme.Is Turkey’s President Erdogan planning to allow the Hagia Sofia - one of Christianity’s greatest churches - to be converted into a mosque? Dorian Jones reports.Producers: Helen Lee Amanda Hancox

The night-time economy in the UK has been hit hard by the coronavirus lockdown. Bars, restaurants and music venues have been forced to close. Luke Rollins is a DJ Chaplain and tells Edward Stourton how he is supporting colleagues whose work and lifestyle has changed because of the pandemic.The Rev Dr Augusto Zampini Davies has been appointed by Pope Francis to a Vatican Commission that is investigating how the Holy See can respond to the Covid-19 pandemic and what role it can play to help manage the social and economic changes that will follow. He tells Edward about the massive task ahead and how they propose to help the church and society recover.This week Northern Ireland approved drive-in churches as it begins to ease some restrictions brought in to reduce the spread of Covid-19. Worshipping in 4 wheels was popular in 1950’s America and Father Stephen M Koeth tells Edward about their history and the current enthusiasm for drive-in churches in the US.Black, Asian and minority ethnic patients account for mor

There have been several nights of protests in Minneapolis following the death of George Floyd, an unarmed black man who died in police custody this week. Before moving to Minneapolis in 2018, the 46-year-old lived in Houston’s Third Ward housing projects, where he has been described as a "person of peace" and a "mentor to a generation of young men”. His friend, Pastor Patrick Ngwolo, responds to the news of his death.When the Church of England comes out of the pandemic how will it survive in a world where financial, political and social norms have changed dramatically? Will some dioceses have to be merged and the number of Bishops reduced? Will plans to grow the church be shelved? The Rev Canon Rosie Harper is critical of the Church’s response to Covid and favours a radical rethink of the Church’s immediate priorities. She debates with the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Rev Rachel Treweek.Jasvir Singh - the Sikh representative on the government’s Places of Worship Taskforce – stepped down at the weekend "in the