Sunday

Mass graves are being dug in Syria and Turkey to bury the thouands of people who died in this week's earthquake. We speak to an Imam in Syria about the devastation he is dealing with Might MPs be able to force the Church of England to change its position on same sex marriage in church? The church’s recent decision to allow priests to bless same sex couples who are already married, but not to allow them to marry in church, has caused huge controversy. Several MPs say that the ban is out of step with public opinion and are considering if Parliament could take action to change the church’s position. More evidence has emerged recently suggesting that the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Kirill, was a KGB agent in the 1970's. Declassified documents from Swiss police have strengthened the claims. We look at that and why the Russian Orthodox has not yet been expelled from the World Council of Churches for supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Catherine M

The pope's tour of DRC Congo and South Sudan culminates with a Mass in Juba, with the archbishop of Canterbury and the moderator of the Church of Scotland. Sister Orla Treacy and student Sarah Adut tell Emily Buchanan about their nine day walking pilgrimage to join the Pontiff. In our series on Ukraine, one year on from the Russian invasion, we hear from father Sergiy Berezhnoy. The Ukrainian orthodox priest and chaplain to the 42nd Battalion of the Defenders of Kyiv, describes some of the challenges of the past year and his hopes for the future. A new report from L’Arche - the international Christian community bringing together those with and without learning disabilities - reveals it's founder, the late Catholic theologian Jean Vanier, used the community as a cover for a mystical sexual sect. Emily speaks with one of the report's authors, to the community's current CEO and to two of its members, about how it moves on from here. Cross-bench peer Frank Field has spent much of his adult life campaigning

A teddy bear that was found washed up on a beach has been given a new lease of life and is now providing support to children and people living in care homes. The bear was restored by the Reverend Canon Eleanor Rance and its journey from discarded toy to "therapy bear" generated a global response on social media. The bear, named Sinbad, is used to help people to reflect on issues like brokenness and second chances. Reverend Rance tells us that people have found resonance in how he was washed up on a beach and then given a new start. What's the trick to writing a really inspiring sermon? How can clergy keep their congregation listening? Pope Francis has suggested that Catholic homilies are often a disaster and recently repeated his call for them to be no longer than eight to ten minutes long. Quality is another consideration. Edward Stourton explores the issue with Quentin Letts, parliamentary sketch writer for the Times and drama critic of the Sunday Times and Revd Dr Alycia Timmis, Priest in Charge of the No

It's been a tough week for the Church of England. The announcement that same sex marriages will remain banned in the Church though blessings for civil marriages of same sex couples would be allowed has been criticised by people on both sides of the debate. We hear from the Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell who says he will take part in blessing services even though the Archbishop of Canterbury says he won't.The story of Fr Isaac Achi who was burned alive by bandits in his home in Nigeria has reverberated around the world this week and raised the question - how dangerous is it to be a Christian in Northern Nigeria? William talks to Illia Djadi from the missionary charity Open Doors and Abuja based security analyst Dr Kabir Adamu. Music has the power to change a mood, but what about its ability to change your life? Ismael Lea South shares the story of how listening to Hip Hop in the 90s inspired him to convert to Islam. As part of our series on faith in prisons, William speaks to Rachel Treweek, Bishop to Pr

How might the death of the former Pope Benedict affect the future direction of the Catholic Church? When Benedict XVI resigned in 2013 citing old age, he became the first Pope in 600 years to step down from the role. For almost a decade there were in effect two popes living at close quarters in the Vatican. Some have regarded Benedict as more conservative than his successor, Pope Francis. We examine how the death of the former Pope could affect the pontificate of Francis and ask if it could lead to change.Government figures show that more than half of adults released from prison in England and Wales go on to reoffend. In the second of our series on religion in prison, we hear about a faith group which is helping offenders to get back on their feet when they’re first released. Staff and clients at the Yellow Ribbon Community Chaplaincy in the English Midlands say drug and alcohol addictions often aren’t tackled in prison, and there's little support for people when they’re freed. The Justice ministry told us th

Prince Harry wants to reconcile with his family. But how easy is that given the continuing fallout from his interviews and memoir? Sacred texts are full of tales of feuding siblings, so what can they teach the Royals? Imam Qari Asim and Rabbi Robyn Ashworth-Steen share scriptural insights and pastoral advice. If you've already failed to stick to your New Year's resolution, help is at hand. The Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson has written a book on how to cope with and learn from failure. Cricketer Monty Panesar and Comedian Shazia Mirza also share how faith has helped them deal with failure in their lives. In the last two years, thousands of Hong Kongers have taken advantage of a new Visa scheme to the UK, following China's imposition of a national security law on the former British Colony. Vishva Samani reports from Reading where large numbers have settled, to see how they are integrating within the local faith communities. The life and death of the late American singer Whitney Houston inspired Candice Marie Benbow t

In a special programme to mark the death of Pope Benedict XVI, Edward Stourton and guests discuss the life and legacy of the gentle German academic who became the spiritual leader of 1.3 billion Catholics all over the world.The 95-year-old Pope Emeritus, who stood down almost a decade ago due to his poor health, died at the Mater Ecclesiae monastery within the walls of the Vatican, where he had lived during his final years.He led the Catholic Church for fewer than eight years but is considered by many to be one of the most influential religious leaders of modern times. He defended Catholic teaching fearlessly, speaking out against what he called "the dictatorship of relativism", and produced deeply moving spiritual writings. In a special programme, Edward Stourton looks back at his life and pontificate and assesses the impact of his resignation in 2013 - the first by a Pope since Gregory XII in 1415 - and looks ahead to the impact his death will have on his successor Pope Francis.Edward remembers Pope Benedic

What is the case for offering clemency to people in jail? This week, the Pope called on world leaders to make a gesture of clemency to prisoners in the run up to Christmas. For some, it represents an opportunity for healing for both the perpetrator and the victim, but for others it is a step too far. Why shouldn't prisoners simply serve their full sentence? We discuss the issue with former cabinet minister and ex-prisoner, the Rev Jonathan Aitken and former prison governor Brendan O’Friel. The UK is facing a wave of strikes, including action by "key workers" such as nurses and ambulance drivers. What is the moral and religious basis for the "right to strike" and what are its limits, if it seriously disrupts the lives and welfare of others?In a week when the reality of people seeking asylum led to tragic consequences and the Government announced new measures to stop illegal Channel crossings, we speak to Lord Carlile, who is leading an independent commission, exploring ways of improving the current asyl

As the UK faces severe weather warnings, there are still predictions that one in four people will not be able to afford their heating bills this year. More than 4,500 religious and community organisations have signed up to the Warm Welcome campaign, offering free, safe, warm spaces for the public. Yesterday Edge Ministries, one of those organisations, held a free Christmas fair and we hear from the organisers.In Iran, the first execution of a demonstrator has taken place. Mohsen Shekari was found guilty by a Revolutionary Court of "enmity against God", according to state media, and then hanged. Activists have described the proceedings as a "show trial without any due process". Protestors against the Iranian regime have been demonstrating since September after the death of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman who was held in custody by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab - or headscarf - "improperly". But there's also now uncertainty over the status of this force, which enforces its dress code, after

The British raid of 1897 on Benin City in the Southern Nigerian State of Edo, saw thousands of looted items end up in galleries and Museums across the UK. One recipient was the Horniman Museum and Gardens in South-East London. Only this week, they returned six out of seventy-two items, to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments. The remainder will remain on loan for now. Among those items returned are two Benin Bronze Plaques from the Royal Palace of Benin. The BBC’s Peter Macjob tells William Crawley about the spiritual significance of these Plaques for the community of Benin.This week’s Census results drew out some surprising revelations including a ten-fold rise in those identifying themselves as Shaman. But one particular statistic which grabbed a lot of media attention was that for the first time, fewer than half of people in England and Wales described themselves as Christian. William asks what determines whether Britain is or is not a Christian country with guests Dr Scot Pete

Islam has given the world some exquisite and spectacularly beautiful art. Now, modern Islamic Art is being celebrated at Bayt Al Fann, a two-day international digital festival on 28-29 November. The event will showcase contemporary artists from across the world, who have been inspired by the Islamic tradition. It will also explore how Islamic art might evolve in the future. William Crawley meets two of the artists, British-Bahraini poet Taher Adel, who is a spoken word performer and Samira Mian who uses watercolours to paint sacred Islamic geometry. There are more details about the Bayt Al Fann website at https://www.baytalfann.com/Can faith and politics really mix? William speaks to Tim Farron, the former Leader of the Liberal Democrat Party and sitting MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale about his new book ‘A Mucky Business’ Why Christians Should Get Involved in Politics. What is your favourite Christmas carol, and why do you love it so much? During Advent, we are teaming up with the BBC Radio 3 Saturd

Albania’s Catholic Bishops have raised concerns about the depopulation of their country through migration. Edward Stourton explores the impact of this with Sister Imelda Poole, who works much of the year in Albania and is President of RENATE, an organisation dedicated to combatting human trafficking. Jazz musician Courtney Pine is back on tour across the UK performing material from his new album ‘Spirituality’. He tells the Sunday programme how religion, spirituality and jazz have all come together in this latest work. The National Association of Muslim Police is calling for the word ‘Islamist’ to be dropped from Counter-Terrorism Policing, they say it reflects negatively on Islam in general. Edward explores the nuances with Alexander Gent, Chairman of the National Association of Muslim Police and Dr Stephen Jones from the University of Birmingham Bishop Jude Arogundade, from the Diocese of Ondo in Nigeria, tells Edward of his concerns for the Christian community across the country. Harry Farley reports o

Back in September violence spread between Hindu and Muslim groups on the streets of Leicester. An inquiry was swiftly set up to look into the unrest, but the academic chosen to lead the review has had to step down just days after being appointed. William Crawley and guests examine the issues. With a week to go until the World Cup kicks off in Qatar, what is life like for women there? BBC presenter Salma El Wardany has been finding out for a World Service documentary, along with Yousra Samir who spent her adolescent years in the Gulf state.Is there a church sign that's caught your eye, with a quotation that made you think, a joke that made you smile, or a pun that made you grimace? We explore the phenomenon of the wayside pulpit. Email us: Sunday@bbc.co.uk or tweet us @R4Sunday if you’ve seen some particularly good ones! Producers: Dan Tierney and Jonathan Hallewell Editor: Helen Grady.

It's an issue which has divided the Church of England for decades, and now the Bishop of Oxford, the Right Reverend Dr. Steven Croft has become the most senior cleric in the Church to speak out in favour of same-sex marriage. But will the growing support for the bishop's stance make any difference to the future direction of the church? Ed Stourton explores the issue with Dr Andrew Goddard, he was on the Steering Group for the church's Living and Loving in Faith Project and is a member of the Church of England Evangelical Council, and Ben Bradshaw, a former Labour cabinet minister and practicing Anglican who sits on parliament's Ecclesiastical Committee.Could the Catholic tradition of abstaining from meat on Friday have an impact in tackling climate change? A new study suggests it could potentially reduce carbon emissions. Edward assesses the details with Professor Shaun Lacrom, from the Department of Land Economy at the University of Cambridge, and Bishop John Arnold, the environmental lead for the Catholic B

We have a new Hindu Prime Minister! It's the first time this has happened in the UK. So how will Rishi Sunak's faith inform his leadership? We find out from two experts.Many are dreading the cost of fuel bills this Winter - but a new faith-led campaign is offering people the chance to use free, safe, warm spaces across the UK. The Warm Welcome campaign, set up by the ChurchWorks Commission, has signed up more 2,200 organisations to the scheme and has an interactive map on its website showing where they are. We hear from one organisation and a young mum who uses it.The trial of Cardinal Zen, the former Catholic bishop of Hong Kong, is re-opening. It comes days after the renewal of the Vatican's provisional agreement with Beijing over the appointment of bishops - a deal which the 90 year old Cardinal has openly criticised. We hear the views of Lord Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, who is himself a Catholic. And, in what's believed to be the first time in the UK, a cathedral has hosted a p

The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse has published its final report. One of the key recommendations is for mandatory reporting of child sex abuse, even if that abuse is disclosed to a priest in a confessional. So, what are the implications for those churches with a confessional tradition where confidentiality is sacrosanct? William speaks to bishop Paul Mason, the lead on safeguarding for the Catholic Church in England and Wales. The Sikh community kitchens known as ‘Langar’ are coming under pressure in the current cost of living crisis. As energy and fuel prices continue to rise, so does the demand for free food. Our reporter Nina Robinson visited a Gurdwara in Coventry to see how they are coping as they prepare to feed more than five thousand people over Diwali.The theologian, poet and former archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Rowan Williams has gathered together one hundred poems from the last one hundred years which explore the themes of faith and belief, in ‘A Century of Poetry’. He discusses wit

Although the Middle East may not currently be high on the prime minister's list of priorities, faith leaders have increasingly been speaking out about her controversial proposal to move the British Embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Both Israelis and Palestinians claim Jerusalem as their capital, and it’s one of the most sensitive issues in their long running conflict. As the BBC's religion reporter Harry Farley explains, if the British Embassy was relocated, it would break with decades of UK foreign policy, which until this point has been that the divided city should host consulates, rather than embassies, until a final peace agreement is reached.Thousands of Ukrainians who fled the war and came to live in the UK with host families for six months are now having to find somewhere new to live. For many host families, it's been a positive experience, but others have found it really difficult sharing their home with their Ukrainian guests. We hear from one refugee who now has to find a new home, and t

Photos emerged this week of a couple renewing their marriage vows in a Star Wars-themed ceremony in Wales. William Crawley explores the implications of themed weddings in churches.A new research project will investigate why some Muslims find it hard to access mental health services, and how more could get the help they need. We consider some of the barriers to effective treatment.The poet-singer Jake Thackray rose to fame on prime time Saturday night TV in the 1960s and 1970s with his unique style of funny, wry and bitter-sweet songs. 20 years after his death, his first full biography reveals how his working-class Catholic roots shaped the themes of social justice in his parable-like songwriting.Producers: Dan Tierney and Jill Collins Editor: Helen Grady.

For the first time in Northern Ireland’s one hundred and one year history, Census figures reveal there are more people from a Catholic background than there are Protestants. Emily Buchanan looks at what this moment means for the future of the Province. How do you engage post-millennials in the subject of Theology? Two of the finalists in this year’s ‘Theology Slam’, a competition to find new voices who think theologically about the modern world, enlighten us.The death in custody of 22 year-old Mahsa Amini has sparked waves of protest across Iran. Mahsa was arrested by the country's morality police for the way she wore her hijab. We explore how the country's strict dress code for women is igniting calls for change. C.B. Newham spent the last twenty five years documenting and photographing the contents of more than nine thousand rural Parish Churches. He explains how shifts on the world stage from politics to war to religion, helped shape the fashion for those sculptures.Leicester’s Muslim and Hindu Communi

Elvis Presley was many things to many people, but few see him as a religious figure. He recorded several songs with religious themes, including Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, but rarely spoke publicly about his beliefs. Now, his step-brother, Billy Stanley has co-written a book, The Faith of Elvis, telling the story of the singer's interest in religion and in particular his love of the Bible. He shares his personal memories of Elvis, and how his songs were often inspired by his Christian faith.About 10% of British Muslims are black and some have experienced racism from other Muslims. The Muslim Council of Britain has acknowledged that as a "minority within a minority" they have often been marginalised, even within Muslim communities. They have just published a report examining what life is like for black British Muslims. It brings together around 40 essays from Black, African and Afro-Caribbean Muslims in the UK. We ask what needs to change to allow black Muslims to be more widely embraced and their c