All Things Considered

In this week's All Things Considered, Richard Littledale explores how the work of Bible translation begun by John Wycliffe still shapes faith, language and culture today. Richard is joined by Robin Peake, Deputy CEO of Wycliffe Bible Translators UK, to ask why Bible translation is far from finished, how new technologies – including AI – are changing the process, and why local voices are increasingly central to the work. We hear firsthand from language consultants involved on the ground, sometimes beginning not with words, but with the creation of an alphabet itself. The programme also reflects closer to home. Welsh speaker Lowri Turner shares how encountering a modern Welsh Bible transformed her faith, while Michael Packianather from Heath Evangelical Church in Cardiff explains how global Bible translation partnerships are influencing local church life in Wales today.

Azim Ahmed talks to the Head of Wales for the Equality and Human Rights Commission. Born in Holyhead, Ruth has always had strong attachment to Wales, and has worked at a variety of jobs before taking on her current role since 2017. At the same time, she answered a call to ministry, and is now an ordained priest in the Church in Wales, working in the Garth Ministry Area. At a time when human rights are under unprecedented assault from organisations and governments, and in certain sections of the media, Ruth explains the history and the universality of human rights.

Jonathan Thomas is joined by Dr Chloe Swart the National Director of Alpha UK. It's a course that helps people explore the Christian faith, and which just last year was used by nearly three million people across one hundred and fifty-eight countries. Dr Swart is also a theologian and Church leader. Her first book, “605 Everyday Miracles – Learning to do what Jesus Did, Today” is taken from her phd research. It's based on hundreds of first hand accounts of healing. People who claim they had or witnessed all sorts of conditions from sciatica to cancer improved and even completely healed through the power of prayer. Not necessarily in churches but everyday places like fast food restaurants, bus stops and gyms. She talks about what she discovered in her research and what she sees happening in the church across Wales and the UK.

Rosa Hunt speaks to Emeritus Professor John Lennox, one of the most acclaimed Christian apologists of modern times, about his new autobiography 'My Story.' With Rosa, John reflects on his childhood growing up in Northern Ireland, studying at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and teaching mathematics across the world. He's defending the Christian faith in lecture halls, debates and the public square for more than sixty years, including debating the New Atheists Richard Dawkins and Christopher Hitchens.Throughout his career John has maintained that rigorous science and deep faith are not enemies but allies, and has devoted his life in the public sphere to defending this principle. He's tackled some of the thorniest questions in public debates; where is God in the Big Bang? Can faith and science mix? Does God exist? John takes us on a journey from Northern Ireland to Wales, Germany and Soviet Russia, tracing a lifetime devoted to mathematics, faith and reason.

Steph Bevan marks sixty years of the Christian Mountain Centre in Eryri, exploring why time outdoors can be life‑changing for young people and transformative for faith. From kayaking and climbing on the North Wales coast to moments of stillness that prompt reflection and prayer, Steph visits the centre at Pensarn Harbour and speaks to staff about their vision for outdoor education in a time of rising anxiety and shrinking opportunities.She also meets CMC founder, mountaineer and minister Mike Perrin, who reflects on the centre's beginnings in the 1960s and the belief that the mountains can open hearts in ways buildings sometimes cannot. An exploration of nature, community and the enduring pull of adventure on the spiritual life.

This year marks the tenth anniversary of Eco Church, the scheme run by the Christian conservation charity A Rocha UK. Those who take part can earn awards if they commit to making a difference to the environment.Rosa Hunt is joined by a panel of guests to unpack how churches can help in the fight against climate change as as human activities cause world temperatures to rise. How much of a responsibility do Christians have to care for God's creations?Delyth Higgins, is the Eco Church Officer for Wales Megan Trott, Rhys Thomas and Noa Evans reflect on their experiences traveled with a youth group from Tabernacle Chapel in Cardiff to Lesotho in Africa.

Azim Ahmed hosts a panel discussion with a live audience recorded on 27th February at BBC Wales in Cardiff Central Square to mark Ramadan 2026. Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar, marked by a month of fasting and prayer. But what's it like to work in the media industry during this time? Azim Ahmed is joined by a panel of media professionals to hear first-hand what it is like. Is it difficult to balance fasting with work? Do Muslims face stereotypes in the work place? How do media professionals balance their work with their faith and what can we can we expect from religious broadcasting? On the panel Azim is joined by Mariyah Zaman, the co-founder of 'Now in a Minute Media' an independent media platform for and by Welsh Muslims. Shafin Basheer is an Assistant Producer at Slam Media. Dr Nadia Haq is a research fellow at Cardiff University. She looks at the representation of Muslims and Islam in the press from a journalistic perspective. Shazia Ali studied at the Cardiff School of Journalism and now works as a newsroom journalist at BBC Wales. The programme was recorded on 27th February.

As part of the BBC's AI Unpacked Week, Azim Ahmed and a panel of guests unpack whether Artificial Intelligence belongs in worship. Is there a place for it in our mosques, churches and temples, in our heartfelt prayers or songs of praise?Azim is joined by: Gary Bunt, Professor of Islamic Studies at the University of Wales, Trinity Saint David and author of the book “Islamic algorithms”. Professor Beth Singler, Assistant Professor in Digital Religion(s) at the University of Zurich and author of “Religion and AI: An Introduction” Matthew Harvey Sanders, chief executive of Longbeard and the creator of Magisterium AI, who's Catholic Mal Pope, broadcaster, singer songwriter and Christian

Rosa Hunt is joined by Graham Daniels, general director of Christians in Sport. The charity supports sportspeople in competitive and elite sport to live out their Christian faith, as well as working with churches, schools, and clubs to integrate faith and sport. Born in Llanelli and growing up in the 1970s, rugby was ingrained in the social fabric of Graham's community. But from a young age he dreamt of being a professional footballer. He went on to achieve this ambition in a highly competitive field, playing for Cambridge United, and he is now a director of the club. In 1984, Graham became a Christian, a moment that sparked a journey into ministry and shaped a lifelong commitment to living out his Christian faith through sport. Rosa and Graham share a warm hearted conversation to mark fifty years since the foundation of the charity.

This weekend we've just had Valentine's Day – for some it's very much a romantic occasion, but for many others the day isn't anything to celebrate at all – it compounds their sense of loneliness. In this week's programme the guest presenter Richard Littledale, a retired Baptist minister and a writer and podcaster working in Colwyn Bay, explores the subject from a personal perspective. Nine years ago his wife Fiona died of cancer and loneliness has been a fact of life for him ever since. During the programme, Richard visits a café, a farm and a hospice and talks to a psychology student who's has battled loneliness. And, Richard introduces us to a polar bear called Arthur.

With a live audience at the Womens' Healthy Lives community event organised by Cardiff and Vale University Health Board from Cardiff City Stadium, Delyth Liddell and guests explore if faith can have an effect on access to healthcare. Delyth is joined by Dr Amara Naseem, a GP based in the Grangetown area of Cardiff who's Muslim, Dr Shylasree a gynae-oncologist at the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff from a Hindu background; and Alice Lovering, a sexual health nurse, working in the city of Newport who was raised Catholic.

Today, churches around thew world are marking Candlemas, and stepping into that moment in the Temple when the infant Jesus was presented, and Simeon proclaimed him a light for all nations — a light that still reaches into every culture, every community, every corner of our world. But what does that look like in multicultural Wales today? How does that light sound, feel, and take shape among the many voices that make up our shared life? Jonathan Thomas explores the concept of a Polyphonic Church with Craig Gardner from Cardiff Baptist College; Tim Gill from Newtown Evangelical Church; Jessica Morgan from the Bont Church in Pontypridd, and Rev. Dominic DeSouza who recently co-authored a chapter in the book 'Polyphonic God'.

It sounds like the novel Jane Austen never got to write! But on this day dedicated to St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, Azim Ahmed looks at what makes a saint in both medieval and modern times. In this panel discussion, four experts compare stories from Catholic, Anglican, medieval and Islamic traditions. Dr David Callander has studied Welsh saints' lives in both Latin and Welsh, and fills in some of the scant detail on the life of Dwynwen, whose cult was based at Ynys Llanddwyn in Anglesey. Father Sebastian Jones of Cardiff Oratory presents the contemporary Catholic view of saints, whilst Bishop Mary Stallard, Bishop of Llandaff, gives shares her insights into the Anglican tradition. Saints are not unique to Christianity, and Professor Mark Sedgwick, based at the University of Aarhus in Denmark, explains about saints in Islam and gives some fascinating glimpses of saints in Sufi practice.

Rob Parsons grew up in Cardiff and has since become one of the most influential voices in the UK on family life, leadership and personal development. He's written nearly 30 books — including a Sunday Times Bestseller — with over one million copies sold. He founded the charity Care for the Family, earned an OBE for his services to family life, and today speaks internationally on topics ranging from money to leadership to relationships. His latest book, A Knock at the Door, has received widespread acclaim, and he's been appearing across podcasts and major news outlets to discuss its message.

Azim, Delyth, Jonathan and Rosa, the presenters of All Things Considered, choose their favourite episodes of 2025.

Azim Ahmed considers the cultural and religious significance of stars across many different faiths.Professor George van Kooten from the Faculty of Divinity at the University of Cambridge discusses the Star of Bethlehem and the journey of the Magi, while Conwy Fisherman, Carl Davies, explains celestial navigation.Author and Mathematician, Professor Sarah Hart, describes what a hexagram is.Dr Jaclyn Granick from the School of History, Archaeology and Religion at Cardiff University, tells us the origins of the Star of David and how its identity has changed over time.Senior Lecturer in Islamic Studies at Cardiff University, Dr Mansur Ali, explains why stars feature prominently in Islam.Plus, Author and Welsh Witch, Mhara Starling, reveals the magic behind the pentagram.Presented by Azim Ahmed. Produced by Stuart Russell. Audio Supervision by Searle Whittney.

As Christmas approaches, schools and churches across Wales are busy making costumes, practising songs, and helping children learn their lines for one of our most enduring traditions: the nativity play. Delyth Liddell visits a range of nativities across Wales, from a drop-in immersive nativity performed in the centre of Aberdare, to a damp but joyful roving nativity in Llanidloes, to primary school children performing their first plays in rural Talgarth and urban Cardiff. But behind the tea towels, tinsel, and excited children lies something deeper, a story that has shaped cultures, communities and childhoods for generations. We explore why the nativity still matters. Should plays be re-shaped and told for modern audiences or stick with the traditional versions? Why is this retelling of an ancient story so important? Much of the nativity we know so well isn't true to the Bible - does it matter? Delyth visits St. Philip Evans Roman Catholic Primary School in Cardiff, Ysgol y Mynydd Du in Talgarth, St. Elvans Church in Aberdare for a performance of 'Christmas a Story' and a roving nativity in Treveglois. She speaks to Professor Wyn Evans from the University of Cardiff and Naomi Johnson from 'Out of the Ark', a leading publisher of children's nativity plays.

Away in a Manger is one of our favourite carols, but what does it mean for a child not to have a bed of their own? Sadly, this is the reality for too many children in Wales and beyond. In this programme Rosa Hunt looks at three stories where Christian communities are trying to tackle this issue, from child bed poverty to children displaced by bitter conflict. Campbell Edmondson of the Lishon Project in Rhyl talks about addressing the need to supply some children in that area with beds and bedding. Sam Lomas of the Christian charity Home For Good talks about a campaign to get ordinary families to take adolescents and young adults into their homes to provide what they call 'supported lodgings'. Mari McNeill, Head of Christian Aid in Wales, talks about that organisation's Christmas campaign, No Crib for a Bed, drawing attention to the plight of people in the Democratic Republic of Congo where many children have been uprooted from their homes by the bitter violence. Obed Buhendwa, Christian Aid's senior programme officer in the region, reports from Bokavu, a city only 20 km away from the fighting.

Azim Ahmed and guests ask if faith makes a person more susceptible to criminals or if it makes people more resilient in bouncing back afterwards because they're able to forgive? How much does being a victim of fraud test a person's faith? Could it even break it? Over the course of the programme we hear from people who've been in that position, learn what happened to them and how they dealt with the aftermath. Jaci Prosser attends St Sannan's Church and volunteers at a foodbank. Kamal Ali from Newport South Wales is the founder and inventor of My Salah Mat, the world's first interactive prayer mat. The Reverend Mike Hall is a Methodist Minister. He was working away from home in North Wales when his house was sold without his knowledge. Jagdev Singh Virdee is the general secretary of the Guru Nanak Darbar Gurdwara in Gravesend.If you've been affected by the issues we've discussed in this programme you can get help and information by going to bbc.co.uk/actionline All of the BBC's Scam Safe advice is available at bbc.co.uk/scamsafe

In September the ‘Unite the Kingdom' rally, organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, drew many thousands of people to London. Advertised as the UK's biggest ‘Free Speech Festival', speakers made calls to reaffirm Britain's Christian foundations. Many held wooden crosses and flags with Christian slogans, and the crowds were led in reciting the Lord's Prayer. In response to the march, a group of Church of England bishops and senior clergy joined leaders from across denominations to write a letter condemning the “co-opting or corrupting” of the Christian faith and symbols to exclude others. The letter said that ‘communities felt anxious, unsettled and even threatened by aspects of the march.'Meanwhile operation ‘Raise the Colours', a campaign to cover Britain in flags, has seen St. George's flags appear on lamp posts across England. Some see flying the flag as patriotism, while others are concerned and say the movement is underpinned by far-right nationalists.Today we'll explore the issues. Why is it different to fly a Welsh Flag or a St. George's Cross? What is the difference between patriotism and nationalism? In what way was the ‘Unite the Kingdom' march unsettling and exclusionary to others? Delyth Liddell is joined by Reverend Rhys Llwyd, leader of a Welsh speaking Baptist Church in Caernarfon, North Wales. The Rt Rev Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn who has recently written an article arguing that the flying of flags is a cry from long neglected communities. Suzanne Philpott lives near Swansea. She attended the ‘Unite the Kingdom' rally in September and is a Christian. Ross Hendry is from Llanelli and is the CEO of Christian Action Research and Education. He was a joint signatory of the letter “Do not ‘co-opt' the cross to divide."

This is Unesco's International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking a century and more since this fascinating branch of physics came to transform our understanding of the world. Not only that, for people of faith quantum science has arguably transformed our understanding of the nature of God and the nature of humanity. Rosa Hunt investigates the strange, and sometimes downright weird world of quantum uncertainty, dead-and-alive cats, and the possibility of multiverses.Her guests include Professor David Wilkinson, Dr Emily Qureshi-Hurst, Dr Nick Spencer and Father Lee Taylor.

On November 8th, Cherry Vann will be enthroned as the 15th Archbishop of Wales. Her appointment has been covered in an abundance of headlines, as it has come in the midst of a turbulent time for the Church in Wales. The former archbishop stood down amidst problems in Bangor Cathedral. But, her appointment is also hailed by many as a new era for the Church. A few weeks before her enthronement, Jonathan Thomas sat down with the new Archbishop of Wales at the Bishops office in Newport, to find out who she is beyond the headlines.

In light of the recent appointment of the Bishop of London, Dame Sarah Mullally, as the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, Azim Ahmed and guests examine whether women have shattered the glass ceiling of faith leadership.To discuss the issues Azim is joined by a panel of female faith leaders; the Very Reverend Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, Dean of St. David's Cathedral. Chine McDonald who is the Director of the Theos think tank. Zara Muhammed made history as the first woman to lead the Muslim Council of Britain, serving as Secretary General between 2021 and 2025, Rabbi Charley Baginsky is the Co-Lead of Progressive Judaism in the UK and Ireland. Together they examine the challenges of leadership in faith traditions shaped by patriarchal societies, the qualities women bring to leadership and the hope they have for the future of religious leadership and inter-faith relations.

October is World Menopause Awareness Month; Menopause tends to begin between the ages of forty-five and fifty-five but for some it can start much earlier in life. It's a process that can be tiring, confusing, annoying, frightening and even alienating. But what part can faith play in this rite of passage that half the world's population go through? Can faith be helpful for people navigating the menopause or is it a form of suppression, with the changes to our bodies rarely being talked about in our churches, temples and mosques?Delyth Liddell is joined by -Sarah Allen, author of 'Pause – How to enjoy God, find hope and bear fruit through midlife and the menopause'. Neera Vyas, a semi-retired religious studies teacher from Ruabon who's from a Hindu background. Dr Camilla Mork, historian and founding member of the UK Menstruation Research Network. GP Dr Felicia Wong, who works for The Christian Medical Fellowship.

Jonathan Thomas visits the Torch Fellowship Group in Ammanford, speaks to volunteers of Guide Dogs UK, and interviews others about the experience of sight loss in the church. He also remembers the life and ministry of Peter Jackson, a blind pianist. All music performed by Peter Jackson for BBC Radio Wales Celebration in 1995 and 2013.

This summer huge crowds gathered at Glastonbury Festival to sing along to a set of 'Assembly Bangers'; beloved songs from primary school. Musician and music teacher James B. Partridge led the field with classics including 'One More Step Along the World I Go', 'He's Got the Whole World in his Hands' and 'Lord of the Dance'. The popularity of these songs goes beyond music festivals, and this autumn in his Homecoming concert Mal Pope will include an 'Assembly Banger' slot with singer and songwriter Graham Kendrick, composer of 'Shine Jesus Shine'. The popularity of primary school songs has taken many by surprise and this week Azim Ahmed sets out to explore why so many people love singing tunes from their youth. Azim speaks to James B. Partridge who explains that he began recording ‘Assembly Bangers' during the Covid lockdown — and was astonished at how popular they became. Alongside his teaching commitments he's also planning a nationwide tour this Christmas. We'll visit the Freedom Festival in Carmarthen, an event run by the Diocese of St. David's, where the Crowfoot band performs an 'Assembly Banger' slot and we'll hear from the audience there. We'll speak to Mal Pope and Graham Kendrick about the importance of communal singing, and lastly we'll visit Clyro Church in Wales Primary School to find out which songs children love today and which ones could be the 'Assembly Bangers' of the future.

The twenty-first of September is the UN International Day of Peace, and this year's theme is “Act Now For a Peaceful World.” Delyth Liddell and guests discuss if peace is possible.Usman Manan is an Imam serving with the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community in Cardiff. Rosemary Kellison, is an associate professor at Florida state university in the department of religion and is a specialist in religious ethics, ethics of war and feminist ethics. Nick Megoran is a Professor of political geography Newcastle University. He's a former Baptist Minister and has written a number of books on war, peace and theology. Padre Ashley Mitchell is the Resident Chaplain at St Clement Danes The Central Church of the RAF.

Jonathan Thomas interviews Katharine Hill about schools and smartphones. Katharine Hill is the UK director of Care for the Family. She is a well-known speaker, broadcaster and author of a number of books, including Left To Their Own Devices: Confident parenting in a digital world and A Mind of Their Own: Building your child's emotional wellbeing in a fast-changing world.

Azim Ahmed and guests shine a light on a collection of ‘Lost Hymns'; long forgotten Welsh-language folk hymns recorded by oral historians at St. Fagan's National Museum of History in the 1960s. When musician and composer Lleuwen Steffan came across these recordings she immediately realised that they were no longer featured in contemporary hymn books. She embarked on a decade long project to track down the descendants of those recorded, and to compose music inspired by these songs. Today she brings these recordings to modern audiences, joining the recorded voices with her own compositions on piano, guitars and synthesizers.Many of the hymns were composed as a response to the Welsh Revival of 1904, a period of intense religious fervour that swept across Wales, filling chapels, and bringing life-changing religious experiences to those part of the revivals. The songs are frank, down to earth and sometimes dark. They reflect the fragility of human experience. Emeritus Professor Wyn James, a Welsh hymnology expert from the School of Welsh at Cardiff University sets out the historical context of these hymns. Catrin Roberts, the granddaughter of hymn collector William Morris (one of the voices in the collection) shares memories of her grandfather, and his passion for the heritage of Wales. Lleuwen's work is made in partnership with Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru and supported by the British Council Wales.

For centuries the singing of psalms has been a cornerstone of Christian worship and in Wales today psalms are sung in the splendour of great cathedrals and in the quiet devotion of Catholic monasteries. While the singing of psalms has long been cherished, in some churches and denominations psalm singing has been replaced by more modern songs and worship. But a new movement called 'Psalm Roars' is challenging that notion. Led by vicar Tim Vasby Burnie, 'Psalm Roars' aim to make psalm singing accessible to everyone, regardless of whether you have a musical background, and to encourage singing that is “enthusiastic, robust, loud, and inclusive.” Jonathan Thomas attends a 'Psalm Roar' and meets enthusiastic people learning all about psalm singing. He speaks to one of the most pre-eminent modern hymn writers of today, Keith Getty, who sets psalms to music, bringing them to contemporary audiences. Jonathan visits Llandaff Cathedral and meets Stephen Moore, Director of Music, where psalms are sung daily by the cathedral choirs. At Belmont Abbey, Abbot Brendan Thomas explains the ancient tradition of psalmody in the Benedictine Order, where psalms have been sung since its foundation in the sixth century.This programme was first broadcast on the 30th March 2025.

Procedures are in process to find a new Archbishop of Canterbury and a new Archbishop of Wales. Both of whom retired amidst controversies over the handling of safeguarding issues, although there are no suggestions that they behaved inappropriately themselves. Azim Ahmed and guests discuss - is the Church in Crisis?Dr Andrew Graystone is an advocate for survivors of abuse in the Church and is the author of “Bleeding for Jesus : John Smyth and the cult of the Iwerne Camps” Dr Michael J Kruger is Professor of New Testament and Early Christianity at Reformed Theological Seminary in the United States of America. He's the author of “Bully Pulpit: Confronting the Problem of Spiritual Abuse in the Church” The Reverend Nan Powell-Davies is head of the Presbyterian Church in Wales. Simon Plant is Executive Manager for the Charity for Action on Spiritual Abuse, formerly Replenished Life. He has over twenty-five years experience working in safeguarding in Education, Local Government and Faith settings.

Jonathan Thomas is joined by the award-winning historian, biographer and broadcaster Tom Holland. Tom is the co-presenter of the world's most popular history podcast 'The Rest is History', a bi-weekly podcast that explores everything from the Norman Conquest to Nazi Germany. The series is downloaded an astonishing eighteen million times every month. Tom Holland has written many best-selling books include 'Millennium' and 'Rubicon', but in the programme Tom discusses 'Dominion', a book that explores how Christian values and ideas have shaped Western civilisation, although we now live in a secular age. Tom and Jonathan explore how writing Dominion has influenced Tom's perspectives on Christianity.

Recent decades have seen seismic changes to traditional gender roles, leading to deep and sometimes difficult questions about what it means to be a man today. Some argue it's provoked a ‘crisis in masculinity'. This term is debated, but there are growing rates of loneliness, poor mental health, and even suicide, in men. At the same time troubling forms of so called ‘toxic masculinity' are being promoted by some online influencers.Delyth Liddell and guests examine the issues. Is masculinity under threat or is it simply being redefined? What is masculinity anyway? And does scripture and Biblical manhood have any relevance to this discussion today? Reverend Will Rose-More is an ordained minister and is the author of ‘Boys will be Boys and other myths'. He's editing a forthcoming book on masculinities and trauma in church and theology. Charlotte Thomas is an honorary tutor at Cardiff University and is currently studying for a PhD in Theology on hypermasculinity and the Bible, particularly looking at an American Christian men's group called the ‘Promise Keepers'. Jon Stockley is the national director for Christian Vision for Men Wales. Father Sebastian Jones is the Superior of the Oratory of St. Philip Neri at Cardiff. He's also the Parish Priest of St Alban's Parish Splott, and lectures in Canon Law.

Join Rosa Hunt as she journeys to the breathtaking St Davids Cathedral to uncover the remarkable story of a book that changed a nation - the 1588 William Morgan Welsh Bible. Often credited with standardising and even saving the Welsh language, this historic translation is more than just one of many - it's a cultural cornerstone.We speak with Library Development Officer Mari James and the Dean of St Davids, the Very Revd Dr Sarah Rowland Jones, to explore the Bible's legacy and the impact it has had on visitors to the cathedral.Plus, we hear from Emeritus Professor Wyn James and Bible translator Arfon Jones, who reveal how this single volume helped shape the identity of a people, the future of a language, and the face of faith.

Join Azim Ahmed for a powerful and thought-provoking interview with poet and author Elinor Wyn Reynolds, as she prepares to step into history as the first layperson in over a century —and the first woman ever— to become General Secretary of the Union of Welsh Independent Churches.Who is Elinor Wyn Reynolds, and what vision does she bring to one of Wales's most historic religious institutions? In this candid and wide-ranging conversation, Elinor opens up about her journey through culture, grief, politics, and faith, offering deep insight into the personal and spiritual forces that shape her.Tune in for an honest and moving interview that explores the future of the Church—and the woman leading it into a new era.

Merthyr Tydfil is a well-known town in South Wales with a rich history. In the 18th century, it was a small hamlet – just a collection of Welsh-speaking farmsteads dotted along the mountains. But within a hundred years, it became an industrial powerhouse with a booming and multicultural population. In this programme, Delyth Liddell, visits Merthyr to find out how that development affected the local religious communities, and still affects it today. We are guided by local historian, Huw Williams. On our journey, we find out about the Jewish community that flourished in the 1800s, the Salvation Army who sent young women on mission to Merthyr in the late 1800's, and the religious revival of 1904. We also find out about the growth of Islam in Merthyr, and visit a flourishing church.

Jonathan Thomas discusses the 80 year history and ongoing work of Christian Aid, the relief and development charity founded by British and Irish churches to help refugees following the Second World War.We also hear about Gwynne Hodge, the Japanese Prisoner of War from Mumbles who returned home and set up the first Christian Aid group in Wales.

Rosa Hunt talks to Phillip Henry, a Rastafarian Beekeeper in Cardiff, about religion and biodiversity. Nestled on a rooftop overlooking Cardiff Bay, Sankofa scientist, Phillip Henry, is helping to create biodiversity corridors for pollinators - bees. Rosa Hunt met with Philip to talk about his background, Rastafarian beliefs, beekeeping, and restorative justice. In this wide ranging discussion, they look at the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, the history of mining in Wales, and slavery. Phillip Henry also chooses some songs that represent his journey and beliefs.

It can inspire fear and dread in many of us, but for others there is a beauty in maths that is sometimes closely related to matters of faith. Rosa Hunt hears from four mathematicians whose mathematical research has helped to support their religious faith. Professor Larry Lesser gives some fascinating insights into the mathematics of Judaic peoples as reflected in the Torah and the Talmud. For mathematician and bishop's chaplain Rev. Dr Emma Whittick one of the most curious numerical sequences is one that is found in nature and is closely related to both natural and artistic phenomena - the so-called Fibonacci Sequence and the Golden Ratio. Mathematical Biologist Dr Paul Roberts has looked very closely at the relationship between maths and biology, looking specifically at the human retina. For Dr John Hayward, a study of relativity and some very complex mathematics led to some curious insights into the relationship between mathematical and religious truths - and that was even before becoming a Christian.

Delyth Liddell in conversation with Dr Sharon Dirckx, author of the recently published 'Broken Planet: If There's a God, Then Why Are There Natural Disasters and Diseases?' In the wake of the recent earthquake in Myanmar, Delyth and Sharon examine one of the most enduring and difficult questions, if there is a good and loving God, how can we make sense of natural disasters and diseases? It's a question that has challenged philosophers, theologians, and ordinary people for centuries. Sharon holds a PhD in brain imaging from the University of Cambridge and is an adjunct lecturer at the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics. Readings from 'Broken Planet' by Kate Clark, Nia Llewellyn-Jones, Jonathan Thomas, Amy and Manuel Watts-Padilla.

Jonathan Thomas and guests examine the life and legacy of Pope Francis, from his beginnings in Buenos Aires to his leadership as the head of the Catholic Church. The passing of the 88 year old Pontiff this week came the day after he offered his final Apostolic Blessing on Easter Sunday. Francis famously told all priests to be “shepherds with the smell of the sheep," to connect and empathise with the people they serve. Thousands flocked to Rome for his funeral yesterday; a public reaction that has been echoed globally. We hear of the public response to his death from those visiting St David's Metropolitan Cathedral in Cardiff, and a group of young pilgrims visiting Rome. And we explore the hallmarks of Pope Francis' pontificate. How he will be remembered by both his supporters and critics? We look ahead to the conclave – the election of a new Pope – and the global significance of this at a pivotal time in the Church.With contributions from:Archbishop Mark O'Toole, who mas made a Bishop by Pope Francis; Catherine Pepinster, a former editor of The Tablet (the Catholic Journal), and religious commentator Fr Michael Doyle, Dean of the Metropolitan Cathedral Church of St. David, Cardiff Fr Matt Roche Saunders, Director Director of Youth Mission, based in Cardiff who travelled to Rome this week with a group of young pilgrims

In recent years, mainline denominations in Wales have faced a continual decline. Meetings have been held to address these losses, focusing on training and retaining clergy, and utilizing church buildings as resources rather than burdens. However, earlier this month, the Bible Society released a report titled ‘The Quiet Revival,' highlighting a surprising trend: many churches in England and Wales are experiencing growth, particularly among Gen Z. This demographic has shown a significant increase in church attendance, suggesting that things may not be as lost as they seem.Our guest today is Owen Cottom. Seven years ago, Owen planted a church in Cardiff, which has grown to over 100 attendees on Sundays, representing more than 15 nations. His church is part of a global group of Charismatic Churches. Building on his success in Cardiff, Owen has helped plant another church in Blaenau Ffestiniog. This year, he published two books: one on pursuing a new day of mission and revival in Wales, and the other a series of prayers to accompany the first book. Owen is also part of 100iCymru (100 for Wales), a collective of church planters with a vision to plant 100 churches in Wales over the next 10 years.In this interview we explore the way resurrection hope has shaped his ministry, what 100iCymru see happening around Wales, and their hopes for the future.