Sunday

William Crawley talks two people from the world of religion who campaigned to leave the EU about their vision for the future of Britain. Adrian Hilton from Christians for Britain and Saqib Bhatti from Muslims for Britain. He gave up a successful academic career to go and live on a council estate in Glasgow in order to help people living there. We hear about the life of Christian Socialist Bob Holman who died last week. 100 years ago Europe was gripped in war and the Battle of the Somme began. The Catholic Archbishop of Armagh, Eamon Martin and Richard Clarke, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of all Ireland, talk to William Crawley about their pilgrimage to the battlefields of the Somme this week.Monsignor Hector Henao reveals his role in helping to negotiate peace between the Colombian Government and the FARC Guerrillas. Winner of Israel's 2014 Masterchef Arab Israeli Dr Nof Atamna-Ismaeel talks about how she's bringing Arab and Israelis together through food. Geoff Bird has been to join the world's first cro

Trevor Barnes visits a Byzantine Church in Oxford constructed from a flat-pack dating back to 550 AD.Following the grief and disbelief caused by the murder of MP Jo Cox, the Archbishop of York - Dr John Sentamu - talks about the impact of her death.Pope Francis will be in Armenia in a few days time to visit a memorial dedicated to the 1.5M victims of what he described last year as "the first genocide of the 20th century." It is a trip which may further strain the Vatican's diplomatic relations with Turkey. John Allen - editor of the global Catholic website 'Crux' - will be travelling with the Papal party.The Bishop of Liverpool Paul Bayes talks publically for the first time on why he has changed his mind on the issue of sexuality.Susie Chidzik and twins Tomos and Ciaran Bevan have learning disabilities. They travel to Rome next week to take part in 'Living Fully', an event designed to promote debate on the role of disabled people in the Church. They chat to Edward about their faith and they are joined by the

As the nation celebrates the Sovereign's 90th Birthday, Mark Greene - co-author of 'The Servant Queen and the King She Serves' - talks to Edward Stourton about the Queen's faith.There is currently a campaign in Australia to repeal a law which allows people to use a so-called 'gay panic' defence in murder cases; if someone makes a sexual advance, you can claim that was the reason you lost control and killed them. The growing demand to change this law is being led by Roman Catholic priest Fr Paul Kelly. Hazel Southam visits St Luke's Church in Wolverhampton - which is on the Church of England's top ten endangered buildings list - to investigate the problems faced by congregations who find themselves in charge of historic buildings.The Pan-orthodox Council taking place on Crete next week has been in the planning since the 1920s. In fact, the last one was held over 1000 years ago. Russian Orthodox priest Fr Cyril Hovorun explains why the alliance between the orthodox churches is so fragile.Rosie Dawson speaks to

In his first UK media interview, Ed Stourton talks to John Calvin, grandson of the co-founder of Hamas, whose conversion to Christianity meant he had to flee the Middle East.In 1964 Cassius Clay announced he had given up his name for Muhammad Ali and joined the Nation of Islam. Dr Dawn-Marie Gibson talks about how his faith influenced his life.Ed Stourton talks to the BBC's Bangkok correspondent, Jonathan Head, about what the arrests of monks at the Thai Buddhist temple with links to animal trafficking says about the state of Buddhist monasticism in Thailand today.Trevor Barnes investigates the findings of a report that claims the Home Office is rejecting asylum claims from converts to Christianity because officials are making basic mistakes about the faith and what followers should know.Why is Vimto, a soft drink from Manchester, such a big seller in the Gulf States during Ramadan? Kevin Bocquet reports.Sunday hears from Carly Paoli, the British mezzo soprano, whose version of Ave Maria will be the official

With less than a month before the referendum on Britain's membership of the EU, there's a debate growing about the role religious leaders should take when they engage with political issues. Jasvir Singh from the London Faiths Forum and journalist Quentin Letts discuss the role of religion in politics.Professor Mona Siddiqi tells Edward about the review of Sharia law in the UK that the Government has asked her to lead.Why are some historic buildings owned by the Church of Scientology lying empty after they were purchased ten years ago? Geoff Bird has been to see one of the properties in Manchester.In York, the Minster will be the setting for the 2016 Mystery Plays for only the second time in their 700 year history. Kevin Bocquet reports from the final rehearsals.We report on a ground-breaking study which explores links between religion and HIV disease progression. Gail Ironson is Professor of Psychology at the University of Miami.Tom Smith, lecturer in International Relations at Portsmouth University, explains

Pope Francis has said that he is open to the possibility of ordaining women as deacons. Are the ranks of the Catholic Church's all-male clergy really going to open up to female members?Next week, two ministers battle it out in the annual Sermon of the Year Competition. They talk to Edward Stourton about their ministry and go head to head in Sunday's very own battle of the sermons.Hazel Southam reports from Jordan on a trauma healing programme that is being offered to tens of thousands of people who have fled the wars in Syria and Iraq.On Thursday, Scottish composer Sir James MacMillan is giving a speech to the Saltire Society in Glasgow in which he will argue that 20th and 21st century composers have never given up their search for the sacred in an increasingly secular society. He explains to Edward his reasons for this belief.Last February, Charles Maung Bo became Myanmar's first-ever cardinal. For many years he has spoken out against the persecution of religious minorities in his country and now that there

"The more we understand religion, the better able we are as a result to engage religious actors, the more effective our diplomacy will be in advancing the interests and values of our people".US Secretary of State John Kerry said this in a speech last month. Shaun Cassey is his Special Representative on religion in global affairs, he talks to Edward Stourton about his goal to achieve this.The BBC's Reagan Morris reports on the elderly nuns who are taking on pop superstar Katy Perry, as well as the Los Angeles Catholic hierarchy.How much has the anti-Semitism row cost Labour votes in the recent elections? Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg discusses this with Edward Stourton and whether the party can rebuild their relationship with the Jewish community he represents.Many people have a will but how many have considered their digital legacy? Ahead of Dying Matters Awareness Week Kevin Bocquet reports on the growing issue of dealing with death in the online world.The Bloody History of Bible Translations - Harry Freedman di

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