Sunday

The horrific plane crash in Gujarat sent shockwaves through the UK's Hindu community — many of whom have close ties to that region of India. The day after the tragedy, Emily Buchanan visited the vast Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, North West London, to speak with Tarun Patel, a spokesperson for the temple, and Tilak Parek, a scholar of religion and anthropology.We also hear from the BBC's Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, on the latest developments in the Israel-Iran conflict.And it's not every day that a kung fu master becomes a modern-day influencer. But with the publication of his book Shaolin Spirit: The Way to Self-Mastery in English, Shi Heng Yi — founder of the Shaolin Temple Europe — is reaching new audiences. His TED Talks have inspired millions to explore martial arts as well as daily practices for mind and body.Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Katy Davis & Rosie Dawson Studio Managers: Simon Kelsey, George Willis & Joe Stickler Editor: Rajeev Gupta

William Crawley talks to Cardinal Vincent Nichols ahead of the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV and hears from correspondent Bethany Bell in Rome. He hears what is causing a delay in appointing the new Archbishop of Canterbury. There's news of an historic vote to merge Liberal and Reform Judaism. And as talks get underway for a ceasefire in Gaza, we hear from Fr Gabriel Romanelli from the only Catholic parish in the strip.

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with Edward Stourton.

With the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine top on the news agenda, it may be easy to miss ongoing war in Sudan. The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has this week highlighted the extensive use of sexual violence against women and girls - some of them very young indeed - in the Darfur region. We hear testimonies from survivors and Edward Stourton speaks to Ruth Kauffman, the MSF Medical Emergency Manager for Sudan and by Dr Harun Issack Muslim Aids Country Director for Sudan. The King? A healer? An American shaman? We explore Elvis' little known fascination with the occult, spirituality and a quest for higher consciousness with Miguel Connor, author of ‘The Occult Elvis: The Mystical and Magical Life of the King.'It's been a busy week for the new Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool. Installed on Tuesday, his first mass was overshadowed by violence at the victory parade in the city which saw 79 people injured by a car driven into the crowd at high speed. And now, John Sherrington has another job on his hands: deciding the future of an historic church in Lancashire, one with links to the martyr St Edmund Arrowsmith, executed for his faith in 1628. Parishioners like Bren Cook at Brindle St Joseph's were shocked to hear their building would be closed and the congregation dispersed to neighbouring churches after their priest was recalled to Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire- the Sunday programme also hears from Liam Kelly the company secretary of the trust.Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Linda Walker Studio Managers: Jack Morris & Chris Hardman Editor: Tim Pemberton

Humanitarian aid is now reaching Gaza, although the required levels remain a point of dispute between the Israeli Government and aid agencies. It comes in a week when human tragedies in Gaza and Washington continue to mount. Julie Etchingham examines the key questions in a seemingly intractable conflict.The Vatican has been thrust front and centre in attempts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war. How realistic is it to hope that the papacy might achieve a breakthrough for peace where so many others have failed?And Ramblings presenter Clare Balding describes the experience of walking the iconic pilgrim route of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (way of St James) and recommends 'pilgrimages' to others.PRESENTER - Julie Etchingham PRODUCERS - Bara'atu Ibrahim and Linda Walker PRODUCTION COORDINATOR - Kim Agostino STUDIO MANAGERS - Kelly Young and Sam Mills EDITOR - Tim Pemberton

The world was watching as American Robert Prevost, now Pope Leo XIV, stepped out onto the balcony of St Peter's Basilica earlier this week. William Crawley, live from Rome, gathers reaction from around the world. He's joined by Austen Ivereigh, biographer of Pope Francis, and Professor Anna Rowlands, Professor of Catholic Social Thought & Practice at Durham University. British Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe gives his first interview after voting in the conclave and tells the programme how he found the experience. We hear the reaction from Catholics in the UK and around world and explore how an American Pope will shape not only the Catholic church, but global politics going forwards.Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Dan Tierney in Rome; Katy Davis & Rosie Dawson in Salford Studio Managers: Jonathan Esp and Amy Brennan Production Coordinator: Liz Poole Editor: Chloe Walker

While Sistine chapels' voting booth remains unpredictable, there are still potential runners and riders. To discuss these front runners as well as the intriguing internal politics of the papal conclave, William Crawley is joined by papal expert Edward Pentin and Vatican reporter Colleen Dulle.Also in the programme, we hear from the Gammarelli family, who have been dressing bishops, cardinals and popes for over 200 years. They were the personal tailors to Pope Francis, as well as his predecessors. William Crawley speaks to the shop owner, Lorenzo Gammarelli near the Pantheon in Rome.And William interviews Sister Nathalie Becquart, who has served as an undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops since 2021. She is the first woman to hold such an important position and the first to have voting rights in the Synod. Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Catherine Murray in Rome; Bara'atu Ibrahim & Ruth Purser in Salford Studio Managers: Phil Booth and Sharon Hughes Production Coordinator: Liz Poole Editor: Tim Pemberton

William Crawley is live from St Peter's Square in Rome, reflecting on Pope Francis's funeral. He's joined by Austen Ivereigh, biographer of Pope Francis, and Professor Anna Rowlands, Professor of Catholic Social Thought & Practice at Durham University. The Venerable English College in Rome is the oldest British institution outside the United Kingdom. The college provides education and training for seminarians and priests from all over the world. This year the college doors are open for public tours for the first time in to mark the Catholic Jubilee year and William visits college Rector, Fr Stephen Wang to find out more.As well as speaking to pilgrims paying their final respects to Pope Francis earlier in the week, William hear speaks to the UK's most senior Catholic Cardinal Vincent Nichols on the upcoming Conclave and future of the church.Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Dan Tierney in Rome and Katy Davis and Bara'atu Ibrahim in Salford Studio Managers: Denis O'Hare in Rome and Nat Stokes and Carwyn Griffith in Salford Editor: Tim Pemberton

As President Putin calls an Easter Truce, Emily Buchanan talks to writer Nadikya Gerbish celebrating Easter in Western Ukraine. We hear from aid worker George Antone, also marking Easter in the midst of war in Gaza's only Roman Catholic parish.Muslim groups in Birmingham on the spiritual urge to help keep Birmingham clean as the bin strike continues.Hear how a theology lecturer in the US is familiarising his students with dead bodies to prepare them for a life in ministry. Father Ted turns 30 and we talk about it's impact on Irish society with Lissa Evans who produced the comedy classic and academic Prof Eugene O'Brien.

Archive on 4 is available on BBC Sounds featuring previously unheard tapes of Kenneth Williams reading Bible stories. They were recorded by a young James Jones, now the retired Bishop of Liverpool when he was a young producer working for a Christian charity, charged with getting new recordings that would bring new audiences to Christianity. The tapes explore Williams's talent in bringing these well-known stories to life and 'open a window into his soul', exploring his own relationship with faith through the people who knew him. Edward Stourton discusses Kenneth Williams' faith with Mark Oakley who is the dean of Southwark Cathedral, and James Jones, the former bishop of Liverpool.Also on the programme; the founder of the first secure school for young offenders with a faith ethos, says the spiritual health of teenagers needs addressing. Steve Chalke says schools in his Oasis group use an holistic approach to address bad behaviour. According to a new Teacher Tapp survey commissioned by the BBC, more than a third of secondary school teachers say they've seen misogynistic behaviour from a pupil in their school in the last week. But while Steve Chalke argues that a faith ethos in a school can help, are some religious beliefs part of the problem?As Israel continues its bombardment of Gaza, six UN aid agencies have this week appealed for a ceasefire and the resumption of urgently needed aid deliveries. We hear from Muslim Aid, which has worked with aid workers in the strip for the last 19 years. Meanwhile Jewish people around the world are celebrating the start of Passover – but in Israel some of the hostages who've been released say it's hard to celebrate this festival of freedom when 59 hostages are still in captivity. The President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews gives us the view from the British Jewish diaspora.Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Amanda Hancox Studio Managers: Sam Smith & Nat Stokes Editor: Tim Pemberton

Cardinal Charles Bo talks to Sunday about the devastation in his home country of Myanmar. William talks to Dr Leah Payne, an expert in female Pentecostalism about President Trump's controversial faith advisor Paula White-Cain.We get a first look at a mysterious medieval scroll that's gone on display in York, having been tucked away in a cupboard in the city's Bar Covent.Comedian and actor Omid Djalili tells us about his latest stand-up tour called Namaste, which is inspired by his Baha'i background.PRESENTER: William Crawley PRODUCERS: Catherine Murray and Katy Davis EDITOR: Chloe Walker STUDIO MANAGERS: Jack Morris and Kelly Young

Justin Welby has given his first interview, since he resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury because of a failure to act over the serial abuser John Smyth. Dr Welby admits in an interview with the BBC's Laura Kuenssberg he 'got it wrong' because he was 'overwhelmed' by the scale of the problem. However, he says clearly that as Archbishop, there are 'no excuses'. The Sunday programme speaks to theologian and journalist Andrew Graystone who battled for years to bring the truth of John Smyth's crimes to light.Thousands of people have died in Myanmar and more have been injured following a 7.7 magnitude earthquake that was also felt in neighbouring countries. Hundreds of people are believed to be trapped under the rubble of collapsed buildings - including at least 50 construction workers who are unaccounted for after a high-rise was flattened by the earthquake in Bangkok. We get an update from BBC Correspondent Nick Marsh, who's in Bangkok, and discuss the relief efforts underway with Stefano Disperati who is delivering humanitarian programmes funded by the British NGO Muslim Aid.60 years ago this week, a whirling Julie Andrews burst onto our cinema screens in the UK and claimed her place in cinema history. The Sound of Music became an historic box office smash and won 5 Oscars including best picture. The portrayal of convent life, the religious music and spiritual themes were all part of its charm. But few might know that was because of the real life religious sisters who advised Rodgers and Hammerstein - the famous duo who wrote it. So who were they and how did they become the film's secret weapon? Julie Etchingham speaks to Ian Bradley, Emeritus Professor of Cultural and Spiritual History at St Andrew's University - he's writing a book on the theology of musical theatre, due out this year.Presenter: Julie Etchingham Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Saba Zaman Production Coordinator: Liz Poole Studio Managers: Helen Williams & George Willis Editor: Chloe Walker

A controversial Ramadan TV series banned in both Iran and Iraq explores the possible origins of the schism between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. We hear from Dr Sayed Ammar Nakshawani- Prophet Muhammad institute for Islamic Studies PMIIS and Khaled Salah, Egyptian Journalist and writer of the Moawiya series . Government figures show that there have been 14,000 social work assessments linked to witchcraft accusations since 2015 in the UK. But what is abuse linked to spirit, possession and witchcraft and why is it happening? Amrit Kaur- Sarangi player and vocalist, explains why she's hoping to inspire other female Sikhs to learn a classical instrument. Pope Francis to be discharged from hospital- reporter Colm Flynn takes us through his upcoming plans and recovery.Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Katy Davis and Catherine Murray Studio Managers: Mike Smith and Tom Parnell Editor: Tim Pemberton

Downing Street's virtual summit of Ukraine allies may have given those countries a greater sense of unity, but the war continues in Ukraine and President Putin is still prevaricating over the 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US and accepted by Ukraine. William Crawley explores how morally justified it would be to say 'no' to a ceasefire, with journalist and author Lucy Ash.Also on the programme, in his Times column for this year's Ash Wednesday, Giles Coren tells the story of his own waning atheism and gradual embrace of Christian faith. Though Giles was raised in a Jewish home he had “no Hebrew classes, no Jewish environment, no bar mitzvah”. He shares how he finds comfort within the traditions of English Anglicanism.The Dalai Lama, the 89-year-old spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, is worried that his successor could be chosen by the Chinese government. In his new memoir, he says he will choose to be reincarnated in a successor outside China, and instructs his followers to reject any successor chosen by China. Tibetan Buddhism now faces a very awkward possible future - with two competing Dalai Lamas. To discuss this on the Sunday programme is Professor Robert Barnett, one of the world's leading experts on Tibetan history.Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Amanda Hancox Studio Managers: Amy Brennan and Sam Mills Production Coordinator: Kim Agostino Editor: Chloe Walker

Ronald Reagan, Republican president and hero of right wing cold warriors, once famously described the Soviet Union as the Evil Empire. Today many conservative Christians on America's political right apparently admire the current Kremlin regime and, indeed, its leader Vladimir Putin. We have had to come to terms with all sorts of ideological summersaults during the crisis over Ukraine over the past couple of weeks, and this one is surely among the most bewildering and disorientating. To help us understand it, Edward is joined by Dr Katherine Kelaidis, author of Holy Russia, Holy War.On the National Covid Day of Reflection, Edward speaks to actress Sophie Myles about losing her father in the early days of the pandemic and how she'll remember him.The Pope may have been recovering from pneumonia in hospital but he's still managed to publish a book on his love of literature. 'Viva La Poesia' has come out in Italy. We hear from Italian writer Alessandro Zaccuri(The Windhover is read by Catherine Philips from Downing College, Cambridge and taken from 'In Our Time' on March 21st 2019 )

After days of intense diplomatic drama over Ukraine, and as President Zelenskyy visits the UK, we debate the morality of making peace. The Ukrainian President's meeting with US President Donald Trump ended in a tense confrontation. It had all begun politely but descended into a verbal bust-up. Mr Trump said it made for good television, but with thousands of lives at stake—not to mention global peace—we wanted to explore what price should be paid for peace and what the rights and wrongs of continuing to fight are. Emily Buchanan speaks to Jan Halper Hayes, Republican commentator and former member of the Trump White House transition team, and Professor Janina Dill, Co-director of the Oxford University Institute for Ethics, Law, and Armed Conflict.There's been further fallout from the Church of England's review into the handling of allegations of abuse by the late John Smyth. This was the review that led to the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby. Now, ten clergy named in that review could face disciplinary proceedings, including former Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey and the Rev Andrew Cornes, who was due to be on the committee selecting the next Archbishop of Canterbury. However, the Church's National Safeguarding Team says other clergy criticised in the report will not face disciplinary action due to "insufficient evidence to meet the threshold for disciplinary proceedings." We heard from one alleged victim of abuse, Augustine Tanner-Ihm, who is a vicar himself, and asked him whether he thought the latest Disciplinary Action Measure was a step in the right direction.Hollywood is gathering its stars for the 97th Academy Awards, otherwise known as the Oscars. Many of the films up for awards have a religious element—Wicked, Conclave, A Complete Unknown, The Brutalist, and more. On The Sunday Programme over the last few months, we've been hearing from some of the key people involved in their creation. We revisit some of the highlights.Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Katy Davis Studio Managers: Simon Highfield & Carwyn Griffiths Editor: Rajeev Gupta

Jewish and Muslim leaders have signed an historic agreement which they hope will transform community relations in the UK. But does the Reconciliation Accord go far enough? Ludovic Mohamed Zahed is an Islamic scholar and cleric who is challenging conventional understandings of his faith and has written a new book about his journey as a gay imam.The acclaimed Manchester Rock Band Doves have reunited with their new album Constellations For The Lonely, which is due to be released in February 2025 - with the latest single taking some saintly inspiration. Saint Teresa draws on lead singer Jimi Goodwin's Irish catholic heritage and connection with Teresa's story. The Church of England's General Synod opened last Monday to headlines reporting that the church would be banning gluten-free communion wafers and non-alcoholic wine. But another question remains: why is actual alcohol and wheat required by some churches in the bread and wine of communion while not being important for others?PRESENTER: William Crawley PRODUCERS: Katy Davis and Linda Walker EDITOR: TIM PEMBERTON STUDIO MANAGERS: Simon Highfield and Jonathan Esp

Former International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell talks to Edward Stourton about the move to dismantle USAID after Vice President JD Vance accused it of 'spreading atheism'.We hear from author Christopher Gasson and his poll of Gen Z and their views on religion which suggests a majority describe themselves as 'fairly spiritual'.Independent safeguarding is the big topic at General Synod this week. Madeleine Davies of the Church Times tells us about the debates already underway about the best way to keep people safe in the C of E.And the public are being asked to give their views on the qualities needed in the next Archbishop of Canterbury. If you have any thoughts let us know - sunday@bbc.co.uk, @BBCR4SUNDAY on social media.

It has been yet another tumultuous week for the Church of England, which has seen another bishop resign and yet more pressure on the interim leader, Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell. Julie Etchingham speaks to the Archdeacon of Liverpool, the Venerable Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, who signed the letter asking her Bishop to step aside, and hears from Alicia Kearns, Shadow Minister for Safeguarding and Preventing violence against women and girls who is calling for a Royal Commission to look at safeguarding in the Church. Dr Rowan Williams, theologian and former Archbishop of Canterbury, has written a new book called 'Discovering Christianity: A Guide for the Curious'. He speaks about the themes of the book, the current situation with the Church of England and his thoughts on the discussions around Christianity at the top of US politics.There have been encouraging scenes in Israel and Gaza this weekend with a far more orderly handover of hostages from Hamas. The Rafah crossing was also opened, allowing the evacuation of Gazans needing medical care into Egypt. We hear the latest on the ongoing situation.Presenter: Julie Etchingham Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim and Linda Walker Studio Mangers: Carwyn Griffith and Jonathan Esp Editor: Dan Tierney

Emily Buchanan hears reaction from the US to the biggest religious news story of the week: Bishop Mariann Edgar Budde and her sermon addressed to President Trump at the National Prayer Ceremony.It's the eve of Holocaust Memorial Day and we're live at Auschwitz-Birkenau ahead at the 80th anniversary of the liberation of the concentration camp. A new book of previously unpublished work by Jack Kerouac chronicles 'The Buddhist Years' As the writer of On the Road and The Dharma Bums, which turned many people onto Buddhism, we'd love about a writer that got you interested in religion or spirituality. Email Sunday@bbc.co.ukAnd we hear from George Antone, an aid worker from the Holy Family Church in Gaza City. He's been sheltering with 500 other members of the parish since the start of the war and keeping in touch with Sunday. Correspondent Nick Beake has the latest on the ceasefire.PRESENTER: EMILY BUCHANAN PRODUCERS: CATHERINE MURRAY & SABA ZAMAN EDITOR: TIM PEMBERTON

Ed Stourton and guests, from the Middle East and the UK, reflect on the start of the Gaza Ceasefire.Pope Francis has brought out a memoir - "the first by a sitting pontiff" according to the publishers. Two Catholic writers with contrasting views on Francis' papacy review the book for us.And the American Evangelical leader Franklin Graham speaks to ‘Sunday' ahead of his prominent role at Donald Trump's second Presidential inauguration. Presenter: Ed Stourton Producers: Dan Tierney and Bara'atu Ibrahim Editor: Chloe Walker

This week France marked the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the offices of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo, which had a history of lampooning Muslim leaders, including the prophet Mohammed. To discuss the long term impact of these events we are joined by Nabila Ramdani, a writer and commentator known for her strong views on the position of Muslims in France.‘Nobody Wants This' is a lauded new Netflix series that tells the story of a rabbi falling in love with an agnostic sex podcaster. Rabbi Deborah Blausten from Finchley Reform synagogue in North London tells us how the show has sparked conversations about interfaith marriage in her community. Nazir Afzal was the former Chief Crown Prosecutor who led successful prosecutions in landmark sexual abuse cases. He responds to Elon Musk's calls for a national grooming gangs inquiry. Churches, synagogues and a mosque are among the thousands of buildings damaged in wildfires sweeping through Los Angeles. We hear stories from various faith communities.Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Katy Davis and Saba Zaman Editor: Tim Pemberton Studio Managers: Helen Williams and Liam Juniper

The six days of public ceremony to mark the passing of former President Jimmy Carter are underway in the US. Emily Buchanan hears from David Coffey, former General Secretary of the Baptist Union of Great Britain about the importance of Mr Carter's faith to his Presidency and life out of office.Among those honoured by the King at New Year is Gordon Hay from Aberdeenshire. He tells Sunday about why he chose to translate the whole Bible into the Scots dialect of Doric.Justin Welby's tenure as Archbishop of Canterbury officially ends this week. With his replacement possibly not in place until Autumn, Emily chairs a discussion on the year ahead for the Church of England and what it needs from a new leader.

In this last ‘Sunday' of the year, Emily Buchanan looks back at 2024 and forward to 2025.2024 has been a record breaking year for one of the world's busiest pilgrimage routes - the Camino de Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The rising numbers of pilgrims, as well as the soaring summer temperatures, mean more people are considering ‘coolcation' pilgrim trails in countries like Norway. Will they catch on?‘Wicked' has been one of the biggest movies of the year. Emily speaks to Gregory Maguire, the Catholic writer whose novel inspired the hit stage musical and new start-studded film. What was it like writing the backstory of the notoriously evil Wicked Witch of the West?And astronaut Barry 'Butch' Wilmore will be seeing in the New Year in space, having been stranded on the International Space Station since June. He won't return until well into 2025, and worshippers at his Baptist Church in Pasadena, Texas have been keeping a close watch on the situation.Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Dan Tierney and Saba Zaman Editor: Tim Pemberton.

As Christmas draws near, this week's Sunday brings the latest religious stories shaping the news agenda.Pope Francis is about to release his autobiography – the first by any pontiff. Among its revelations is a startling account of how UK intelligence foiled an assassination plot during his 2021 visit to Iraq. Colm Flynn, who accompanied the Pope on that trip, shares his insights into the dramatic events.At Great Ormond Street Hospital, the fallout from disgraced surgeon Yaser Jabbar has cast a shadow over its vital work. Yet, amid the challenges, lead chaplain Dorothy Moore Brookes is bringing comfort and joy to families spending Christmas far from home. We join her on the wards to witness the impact of her work.Gold has always been more than a precious metal – it carries deep spiritual significance and a cosmic story. Alan Ereira, author of A History of Gold: How It Shaped Humanity, traces its journey from interstellar collisions to its role in empires and its environmental legacy today.In Gaza City, where the conflict rages on, aid worker George Antone describes life in the compound of the Holy Family Church. With homes destroyed and hope tested, 500 parishioners prepare for their second Christmas in exile.And after a tumultuous few weeks for the Church of England – with Archbishop Justin Welby stepping down and safeguarding allegations swirling around his successor – we ask Bishop Michael Ipgrave of Lichfield what lies ahead for the embattled institution.Presented by Emily Buchanan Producers: Rajeev Gupta & Katy Davis Editor: Chloe Walker

The people of Syria have been celebrating again this weekend, with many protestors outside the largest mosque in Damascus deriding the former president, Bashar al-Assad, as a "Zombie". With a sense of relief that Assad is now gone, there is anxiety too about what might follow. William Crawley explores how the new regime will affect the religious make up of the country with Makram Rabah, Assistant Professor of History at the American University in Beirut.This week, the justice secretary has said that even under the government's plans to open 14,000 more prison places, they could still run out of space over the next few years. Oasis Restore school opened in the summer and aims to transform the justice system for young people by focusing on education and therapy, rather than punishment and retribution. The Founder, Baptist Minister Steve Chalke, says ‘The philosophy behind everything we do here is not, ‘What have you done wrong?' but, ‘What's happened to you?' For generations, a story has been told in Liverpool's Catholic community about a local man, wounded in the first world war, who went to Lourdes and returned with a miracle. Now, a hundred years after that previously paralyzed man, Jack Traynor, shocked everyone by carrying his own bags off the train at Lime Street Station, the Archbishop of Liverpool has officially recognised his healing as a miracle. Sunday hears from Alex Taylor Jack's great-great grandson, as well as Dr Kieran Moriarty, a British physician who reviewed the original case files and gave evidence to a canonical commission.Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Catherine Murray Studio Managers: Nat Stokes & Sam Mills Editor: Tim Pemberton

Notre-Dame is reopening to the public after 5 years of renovation, following a devastating fire in 2019. But the cathedral is much more than a building - and many secular minded people in France would say that it's much more than a cathedral too. We hear from our Paris Correspondent, Hugh Schofield and commentator Agnes Poirier, author of "Notre Dame - the Soul of France".The Archbishop of Canterbury has apologised for causing distress after Church of England abuse survivors criticised his House of Lords farewell speech. Jane Chevous, the co-founder of Survivors Voices joins the programme. The position of women in Afghanistan took another turn for the worse this week as women and girls have told the BBC they've been banned from nursing and midwifery courses. PRESENTER: Edward Stourton PRODUCERS: Katy Davis and Bara'atu Ibrahim STUDIO MANAGERS: Carwyn Griffith and Simon Highfield EDITOR: Chloe Walker

The Bishop of Newcastle who called for the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury talks to us about the price she's paid for rocking the boat.Friday's vote by MPs in favour of the Assisted Dying Bill was certainly historic. But did it also feel like a rejection of traditional religious values? We'll explore that claim on today's Sunday with broadcaster Mark Mardell and Director of Theos Chine McDonald We'll celebrate the start of Advent with Radio 3 as they fill their schedule with Christmas choirs, live from across the UK. PRESENTER: WILLIAM CRAWLEY PRODUCERS: CATHERINE MURRAY & PETER EVERETT STUDIO MANAGERS: SIMON HIGHFIELD & HELEN WILLIAMS EDITOR: TIM PEMBERTON

After a tumultuous week in the Church of England, Emily Buchanan looks at the legacy that Justin Welby will leave behind, how the church can stamp out abuse in future, and what's needed from the next Archbishop of Canterbury.Plus, an interview with Robert Harris, author of Conclave, on the Oscar-tipped movie of the same name.

In this week's US election, Donald Trump secured the backing of 80% of white evangelical Christian voters. We hear insights from Rev. Robert M. Franklin, Jr., a senior fellow at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, and Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals.John Smyth ran Christian summer camps in Dorset during the 1970s and 1980s. His “horrific” and violent abuse of over 100 boys and young men was concealed by the Church of England for decades, according to a new report. Edward Stourton speaks with Andrew Graystone, author of Bleedings For Jesus: John Smyth and the Cult of the Iwerne Camps, and Dr Joanne Grenfell, Area Bishop of Stepney and safeguarding lead bishop for the Church of England.Guildford, Surrey, has had a Jewish community for centuries, though it has lacked a rabbi since the expulsion of Jews from England 750 years ago. Now, change is afoot as Alex Goldberg has recently been appointed the town's new rabbi.Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Katy Davis & Amanda Hancox Studio Managers: Amy Brennan & Helen Williams Editor: Rajeev Gupta

In this week's US election, Donald Trump secured the backing of 80% of white evangelical Christian voters. We hear insights from Rev. Robert M. Franklin, Jr., a senior fellow at the Candler School of Theology in Atlanta, and Walter Kim, President of the National Association of Evangelicals.John Smyth ran Christian summer camps in Dorset during the 1970s and 1980s. His “horrific” and violent abuse of over 100 boys and young men was concealed by the Church of England for decades, according to a new report. Edward Stourton speaks with Andrew Graystone, author of Bleedings For Jesus: John Smyth and the Cult of the Iwerne Camps, and Dr Joanne Grenfell, Area Bishop of Stepney and safeguarding lead bishop for the Church of England.Guildford, Surrey, has had a Jewish community for centuries, though it has lacked a rabbi since the expulsion of Jews from England 750 years ago. Now, change is afoot as Alex Goldberg has recently been appointed the town's new rabbi.Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Katy Davis & Amanda Hancox Studio Managers: Amy Brennan & Helen Williams Editor: Rajeev Gupta

Edward Stourton presents a special US edition of 'Sunday' from Atlanta, in which he reports on the religious vote from the Bible Belt battleground state of Georgia. With unique access to a broad spectrum of faith communities, he gets analysis on the role of religion in the election.Producers: Dan Tierney (in Atlanta) Catherine Murray Peter Everett Saba ZamanStudio managers: Amy Brennon John Cole Jack MorrisEditor: Tim Pemberton

Julie Etchingham takes a look at the religious and ethical issues issues of the week.

This week, a further 1,100 prisoners were released early to ease the prison overcrowding crisis. We explore how faith groups are supporting ex-prisoners trying to move on with their lives. We join the ‘Nuns on the Bus' - a group of Catholic sisters and interfaith partners who recently toured the US ahead of the election, encouraging people to be ‘multi-issue voters.'With the first vote on the Assisted Dying Bill a matter of weeks away, we hear diverse views within faith communities, as people grapple with the complexities of the debate.Presenter: Julie Etchingham Producers: Dan Tierney & Katy Davis Studio Managers: Nat Stokes & Simon Highfield Editor: Tim Pemberton

Suspected victims of modern slavery are waiting years before their cases are dealt with, whilst waiting for a Home Office decision. On Friday, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls Jess Philips announced that the Home Office will hire 200 staff to clear a backlog of UK modern slavery cases. Sunday hears from Major Kathy Betteridge the Director of Anti Trafficking and Modern Slavery for The Salvation Army. Adventurer, writer and TV presenter Alison Morrison speaks about the discovery of a secret tomb underneath the Treasury Monument at the World Heritage site of Petra in Jordan, where more than a million people visit annually. The tomb contained 12 ancient skeletons and various artefacts dating back to the Nabataean people around two thousand years ago. A team including researchers from the University of St Andrews made the discovery using remote sensing equipment, while on a separate study looking at how to control flood waters at the site. Alison speaks about the significance of the discovery.The Archbishop of Toulouse- Monsignor Guy de Kerimel- called a mass to clean the city and protect it from dark forces within. He's taken a public stand against a street art parade planned through the city at the end of month. Three massive metal minotaur's, guided remotely by dozens of technicians, will amble through the city over a three day period. It's the presence of one Lilith that has infuriated some of the Catholic community. Half woman half scorpion in mythology she was Adam's first wife and associated with evil and luring the weak into obscurity.Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Peter Everett Studio Mangers: Chris Hardman & Helen Williams Editor: Tim Pemberton

Edward Stourton is in the chair with a debate on what to do with empty churches, as the Church of England blocks plans to allow one in Stoke-on-Trent to become a mosque. The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom - an organ of the Federal government based in Washington - has published a report on the Chinese government's efforts to control the country's religions including reports of crosses and images of Jesus and Mary being taken down in churches and replaced with pictures of the Chinese President Xi Jinping.Bond Director Lee Tamahori famous for 'Die Another Day' tells us about his latest blockbuster starring Guy Pearce. 'The Convert' is a film about a missionary and his misgivings about converting Maori tribes to Christianity in 1800's New Zealand.Fr Timothy Radcliffe talks about his surprise at being appointed a Cardinal, his journey to becoming an esteemed preacher and his thoughts on the regalia that comes with being a 'red hat'. Sunday hears from George Antone, one of the last Christians of Gaza who has been in touch with the programme for the past year as he and hundreds of Catholics seek refuge in the Holy Family Church in Northern Gaza. As military action intensifies in the region, George tells us about his fears for the future.

As Hezbollah confirms the death of its leader Sheikh Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Beirut, hear about the religion and politics behind Hezbollah from Fawaz Gerges - Professor of International Relations and Contemporary Middle Eastern Studies at the LSE. And William talks to Myriam Shwayri from the Al-Khafat Foundation about efforts to evacuate disabled adults and children from areas affected by explosions in the city.Abortion clinic 'buffer zones' have come into force in Scotland with similar areas on the way for England and Wales by the end of October. William talks to two women on either side of the debate.'He was ebullient, generous-hearted, kind to many, and an inspirational figure. But alongside that, hiding in plain sight, was someone who manipulated and controlled others, bullied and sought to abuse his power.' That is how Mike Pilavachi, the disgraced Anglican priest and former leader of the Soul Survivor church and festivals, is described in the latest report into the scandal. We hear from Richard Scorer, head of abuse law at Slater and Gordon solicitors, about the ‘Independent Review into Soul Survivor' led by Fiona Scolding KC.Sikh sacred music, also known as Kirtan, has officially become part of the musical examination system in the UK. This has all been pioneered by Harjinder Singh, a music teacher from Birmingham who set up an academy to teach young people how to play traditional stringed Indian instruments. PRESENTER: WILLIAM CRAWLEY PRODUCERS: CATHERINE MURRAY & KATY DAVIS STUDIO MANAGERS: KELLY YOUNG & SIMON HIGHFIELD EDITOR: CHLOE WALKER

Four senior Church of England bishops have accused Israel of acting above the law in the West Bank. In a letter sent to The Observer newspaper, they have called on the UN to move beyond strongly worded resolutions and they say there is little distinction between state and settlor violence. The bishops say the letter has been prompted by the forceful dispossession of a Christian family from their ancestral land outside Bethlehem. Emily Buchanan speaks to one of the signatories, Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun. Our correspondent Hugo Bachega gives us the latest about the situation in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has confirmed that two senior commanders were killed in a strike on the capital Beirut on Friday. Since then Israel has claimed to have hit hundreds of Hezbollah rocket launchers while Hezbollah in turn has fired rockets into Israel's northern region. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said the earlier pager and walkie-talkie explosions which killed 39 people and wounded 3000 violated international humanitarian law. A new documentary investigates abuse and death at an Indian residential school in Canada run by the Catholic Church between 1891 to 1981. As production of the film developed, Julian Brave NoiseCat's (one of the Directors), own story became an integral part of the film. Emily Buchanan speaks to Julian and his co-director Emily Kassie. Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Alexa Good Studio Managers: Amy Brennan & Mitchell Goodall Editor: Tim Pemberton

Four senior Church of England bishops have accused Israel of acting above the law in the West Bank. In a letter sent to The Observer newspaper, they have called on the UN to move beyond strongly worded resolutions and they say there is little distinction between state and settlor violence. The bishops say the letter has been prompted by the forceful dispossession of a Christian family from their ancestral land outside Bethlehem. Emily Buchanan speaks to one of the signatories, Bishop of Southwark, Christopher Chessun.Our correspondent Hugo BachegaIn gives us the latest about the situation in Lebanon, where Hezbollah has confirmed that two senior commanders were killed in a strike on the capital Beirut on Friday. Since then Israel has claimed to have hit hundreds of Hezbollah rocket launchers while Hezbollah in turn has fired rockets into Israel's northern region. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, said the earlier pager and walkie-talkie explosions which killed 39 people and wounded 3000 violated international humanitarian law.A new documentary investigates abuse and death at an Indian residential school in Canada run by the Catholic Church between 1891 to 1981. As production of the film developed, Julian Brave NoiseCat's (one of the Directors), own story became an integral part of the film. Emily Buchanan speaks to Julian and his co-director Emily Kassie.Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Alexa Good Studio Managers: Amy Brennan & Mitchell Goodall Editor: Tim Pemberton

The French Catholic Church has said it will open its files on Abbé Pierre, the priest regarded as something like a modern saint until allegations of sexual harrassment and assault were made against him. The Abbé, who died in 2007, was revered for his pioneering work in setting up Emmaus International which cared for homeless and poor people. Edward speaks to the Paris-based writer Andrew Hussey about reaction to the story in France, and Pat Jones, author of a recent report on the Catholic Church culture and clerical abuse.The Jewish campaign group Nahamu has produced a damning paper on the quality of education in some schools run by the ultra-orthodox Charedi community. Edward talks to its founder Yehudis Fletcher.The Quakers are celebrating 400 years since the birth of their co-founder George Fox. Edward visits his modest memorial in Bunhill Fields in East London and finds out about the other famous non-conformists buried in this part of the city.PRESENTER : Edward Stourton PRODUCERS: Dan Tierney and Catherine Murray STUDIO MANAGERS: Jack Morris and Kelly Young EDITOR: Chloe Walker

Pupils in England start the new term this week, but will schools ensure that tensions from the riots don't make it into the classroom? We hear from one pupil who was worried about leaving her house after violence erupted on her street in Liverpool and from a headteacher making his school a safe place to talk about anxiety, misinformation and racism. Hear from the Hijabi sex educators helping Muslim women have honest conversations about their bodies and intimacy.As fans scramble for tickets for the reunion, broadcaster Terry Christian talks about the Irish Catholic background that formed Oasis. China and the Vatican get ready to re-sign the controversial and secret agreement that attempts to bring together two versions of the Chinese Church: one underground loyal to Rome and the other state sanctioned and overseen by the Communist state. Is it a betrayal of Chinese Catholics as some critics have said? The Pulitzer prize winning author Marilynne Robinson tells William about the enduring literary and cultural value of the Book of Genesis and why she chose it as the subject for her latest work.

The word ‘church' was not used to describe hundreds of new Church of England congregations, initiatives and community groups set up over the last decade. Research by the Centre for Church Planting Theology and Research, at Cranmer Hall, Durham, found that in the past ten years, around 900 so-called “new things” have been started in 11 dioceses. But none of the dioceses used the term “church” as its main description of those ‘things'. Rev Canon Professor Alison Milbank, theologian and author of The Once and Future Parish (2023), and Rev Canon Dave Male, the Church of England's co-director for vision and strategy, discuss if this is simply about the choice of language or something deeper? In light of the government's emergency measures put in place in prisons, we're joined by the lead bishop for prisons, the Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, and David Spencer, Head of Crime and Justice at Policy Exchange, to explore the sentencing of young people and whether custodial sentences are helpful in the long term.Following Kamala Harris' acceptance of the Democratic nomination for president, we speak to theologian Brad Onishi, Professor of Religion at The University of San Francisco and co-host of the ‘Straight White American Jesus' podcast, to get his view on how the two candidates appeal to the US religious electorate. Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Alexa Good, Bara'atu Ibrahim and Katy Davis Studio Managers: Simon Highfield and Jack Morris Editor: Tim Pemberton