Podcast appearances and mentions of emily buchanan

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

The language around the attempted assassination of Donald Trump as divine intervention or miraculous and the consequence naming of him in Republican circles as 'God's anointed one' has brought into focus the key role of religion in US politics. How do Trump and his followers use religion and why did he pick a recent convert to Catholicism to be his VP? We speak to Lauren Kerby, Visiting Fellow in Religious Studies at Princeton.Nigeria's Catholic bishops are objecting to a European Union aid agreement that comes with strings attached – it insists that the governments being helped should adopt progressive policies. Should aid to developing countries be conditional on progressive reforms? To discuss we'll be joined by Gideon Rabinowitz, Policy Director of Bond, and Professor Sir Paul Collier.Details have emerged of the first archaeological evidence of the Christian community in Bahrain before it was overtaken by Islam in 600s. We speak to Professor Tim Insoll, from the University of Exeter and honorary archaeological advisor to the King of Bahrain, about what it tells us about the religious history of the country and wider Muslim-Christian dialogue.An enormous mural on the side of a Jewish community centre in Finchley Road, Hampstead, was unveiled on this week. Measuring 87 feet high and 47 feet wide it celebrates Jewish London history with a montage of famous people and events. The artist who has designed and painted it, Leon Fenster, meets Emily Buchanan on site to discuss his work.Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Alexa Good and Rosie Dawson Production Coordinator: David Baguley Studio Managers: Mitch Goodall and Kelly Young Editor: Tim Pemberton

This morning I did something I never thought I'd do.I talked about this story on national television - which is wild.  So with that, and in honour of Pride - we're going into the vault and revisiting this episode with my sister, Emily Buchanan. This episode was one of the most listened to, and shared episodes to date - so if you're brand new to feelgoodery - welcome! What a gay way to start the journey! ;) Here's a bit more info , and resources, regarding today's episode: about today's episode;-----This episode almost didn't happen. Fear and doubt almost got the better of me - but in the spirit of pushing past the discomfort of what other people think, and after receiving a heartbreaking DM, I'm sharing my own coming out story today. We're talking things I've never shared before and THEN, we have a very special guest, my own sister - EMILY BUCHANAN is here!**CONTENT WARNING: In today's episode we talk mental health, depression and suicidal ideation. ***In today's epsiode we're covering:When the knowing clickedA mother son conversationAlcohol-infused confidence How a dream job led to a major regressionEmily's story (and memory)Gay awakenings and A Very Brady Movie RESOURCESThe Trevor Project  - The world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQIA+ young people.  https://www.thetrevorproject.org/(1-866-488-7386)Lesbian, Gay, Bi & Trans Youthline offers free peer support for youth aged 26 and under (1-800-268-9688) https://www.youthline.ca/Parents, Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) - https://pflagcanada.ca/Wanna talk about it - https://www.wannatalkaboutit.com/ 

Swiss singer Nemo has won the Eurovision Song Contest in Sweden, with their song The Code. The contest in Malmo Sweden has been marred by protests about the Israel Gaza conflict threatened to derail the event. Emily Buchanan gets an update rom BBC reporter Sophie Yardley and Dr Paul Jordan, an expert on Eurovision whose thesis, The Eurovision Song Contest: nation branding and nation building, examined the political changes in the competition.For the fifth time, Vladimir Putin took the oath of office and was sworn in as Russia's president for a new six-year term in the Kremlin Palace before being blessed by Patriarch Kirill in the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour. Where he was likened to Alexander Nevsky - known for fighting off raids of Teuton knights. Patriarch Kirill claimed “God himself entrusted the service of Russia to you". How do these events shape the identity of the Russian Orthodox Church? Sunday programme hears from Katharine Kelaidis, Director of Research and Content at the National Hellenic Museum.Litany is a made to measure clothing small business in New York. Driven by their faith, Co-creators Veronica and Olivia started their business to provide women with garments that are worthy of wearing. Emily Buchanan hears from co-founder Veronica, about how her Christian faith inspires her fashion brand.Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Linda Walker Production Coordinator: David Baguley Editor: Jonathan Hallewell

An amazing interview with Author Brynn Morgan on how she got started in writing books , writing movies, family, the future in books and film and much more! Title of the book: The Haunting of Hastings House by Brynn Morgan This is Author Bio: Brynn Morgan has loved writing stories since she was a child. She loves nothing more than immersing herself in a good mystery. Brynn lives in South Carolina with her husband, daughter, one dog, two cats, a parrot, and two ferrets. This is the book blurb: Emily Buchanan has lost everything that she loves in a tragic car accident. She has nowhere to turn until an old friend contacts her about an opportunity to be the housekeeper at a historic mansion in South Carolina. Little does Emily know she is about to meet the ghost of Hasting's House, a violent spirit that has haunted the estate for centuries and is hell-bent on revenge. Hosted By: Terrance Hutchinson Www.Yourbestlifestyles.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yourbestlifestyles/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/yourbestlifestyles/support

If you're an over-thinker, sometimes your brain can feel like it's filled with endless possibilities, and what-ifs, and worst-case scenarios. I call it feeling "full". And while overthinking isn't necessarily a bad thing (and sometimes a very necessary thing), when it results in you feeling frozen, and unable to make decisions . . . that's where it can be a problem.  And that's what we're delving into today.  Today we're covering:how overthinking shows upthe difference between my partners brain and mine my sister's take on overthinking, and strategies she's found useful overthinking unloads my own personal strategies that I've found to be effectivevisualization exercise today's feelgoodthing DISCLAIMER: Cannabis is spoken about in this episode. The Key Moments in this episode are:00:02:10-  how overthinking can be useful  00:07:45 - let's call Emily 00:14:14 - Emily's strategies when it comes to overthinking 00:20:35- overthinking unloads 00:25:35 - how to handle to-do lists that pop up in your head 00:29:40- CBD00:32:22 - today's feelgood thing 

Emily Buchanan presents the final edition of Radio 4's Sunday programme of 2023, and brings together a panel of guests from different faiths to discuss the stand out events of the last year and also look forward to the issues and stories they expect everyone will be talking about in 2024.New figures from the charity Shelter indicate a sharp rise in homelessness. More than 300,000 people are thought to have spent this festive season without a proper home. We speak to the Anglican Bishop of Manchester, Dr David Walker, who regards this as a moral scandal. In recent days Russia has intensified its attacks across Ukraine, in a significant escalation of the war. We return to Zhanna Bezpiatchuk, a reporter with the BBC Ukraine Service, who was one of the first people we spoke to after Russia's full scale invasion in February 2022. She reflects on nearly two years of conflict, how it's affected her life and the importance, during wartime, of her personal faith. A spontaneous memorial garden has sprung up close to the Angel of the North sculpture in Gateshead. People have been leaving notes and trinkets in memory of friends and family who have died. We hear from Professor Anne Whitehead who's been documenting the development of this new "shrine". She reflects on how the sculpture has taken on a new and spiritual dimension. Producers: Jonathan Hallewell and Rajeev Gupta Editor: Tim Pemberton

Award-winning writer and former Financial Times journalist Jimmy Burns' latest book A Faithful Spy, based on previously undisclosed personal private papers of former MI6 and MI5 officer, Walter Bell, gives a remarkable insight into the working of British Intelligence. In this Tablet podcast, Emily Buchanan of the BBC talks to Jimmy Burns about the book and some of the startling things that he uncovered during his research. In this article in The Tablet Jimmy Burns gives further insight into the life of Walter Bell. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/the-tablet/message

Emily Buchanan travels to Moseley Old Hall in Wolverhampton to hear about a 400 year-old missal recently bought by the National Trust that belonged to a Catholic priest who saved the life of King Charles II 'Water cremation' will be available as a funeral option in Britain later this year. It's said to be an environmentally friendly approach to disintegrating human remains – but is it appropriate for Christians and other believers in the afterlife? This week the Church of England Synod will be invited to approve the reintroduction of ‘defrocking' as the most severe punishment it can impose on members of the priesthood. But what exactly is ‘defrocking'? Historian of the Anglican clergy, Reverend Fergus Butler-Gallie, explains. And the man who passed on a call from Boris Johnson to answer a call from the Holy Spirit... John Casson took up a role at L'Arche UK during a troubled time for the Christian organisation. He reflects on what working with people with learning disabilities has taught him about leadership. Producers: Catherine Murray and Peter Everett.

This episode has been 36 years in the making, and it almost didn't happen. Fear and doubt almost got the better of me - but in the spirit of pushing past the discomfort of what other people think, and after receiving a heartbreaking DM, I'm sharing my own coming out story today. We're talking things I've never shared before and THEN, we have a very special guest, my own sister - EMILY BUCHANAN is here!**CONTENT WARNING: In today's episode we talk mental health, depression and suicidal ideation. ***In today's epsiode we're covering:When the knowing clickedA mother son conversationAlcohol-infused confidence How a dream job led to a major regressionEmily's story (and memory)Gay awakenings and A Very Brady Movie RESOURCESThe Trevor Project  - The world's largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQIA+ young people.  https://www.thetrevorproject.org/(1-866-488-7386) Lesbian, Gay, Bi & Trans Youthline offers free peer support for youth aged 26 and under (1-800-268-9688) https://www.youthline.ca/Parents, Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG) - https://pflagcanada.ca/Wanna talk about it - https://www.wannatalkaboutit.com/ The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Introduction, 00:02:40 - Importance of Sharing Stories, 00:06:45 - The beginning 00:12:30 - Drama Camp00:13:30 - First steps00:15:40 - Plot Twist  - the morality clause 00:20:08 - the pivot00:23:50 - Hello Emily00:27:00 - Emily's story00:29:39 - Becoming Girlfriends, 00:31:35 - Identifying as Queer and what it means00:33:12 - Awakenings Rapid Fire00:37:50 - Ask for help if you need it

Scores of British Muslims have had difficulty booking their Hajj pilgrimages on the new Nusuk app which was designed to manage travel arrangements for pilgrims. The service has been beset by technical glitches, slow customer service and poor communication. We hear about the problems it's caused to Muslims in the UK and speak to the Labour MP, Yasmin Qureshi, who has taken up the issue with the Saudi authorities. Ukrainian armed forces have identified spiritual support as essential to their fight, as their counter-offensive against Russian forces gets underway. Ten military chaplains were sent to the UK for a fortnight of training with British Army chaplains, the first ever training of its kind. We hear from Rev Robin Richardson who developed the programme for chaplains working with troops on the front line. We also speak to Ukrainian military chaplain and mother-of-five Kateryna Semenyuk as she sets off to provide support to people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the flood-affected Kherson region. The office of the Chief Rabbi and the United Synagogue are launching a commission to overcome some of the difficulties Jewish women face in obtaining a divorce. Some Jewish women's groups are concerned that any reforms may not go far enough. Emily Buchanan speaks to Raime Smith, the founder of Gettoutuk, a charity which supports Jewish women seeking a divorce, and Nicola Rosenfelder, a trustee of the United Synagogue. Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Louise Clarke Editor: Jonathan Hallewell Production Coordinator: Kim Agostino Studio Managers: Helen Williams & Jonathan Esp

It has been a whole MONTH since our last episode, but man am I excited for you to hear this one! We're back with PART TWO of this specific Maze to Marriage collection and this is always one of my favorite series that I get to do because there's SO much to learn from the stories and experiences of others. Marriage - the thing society tells us to aspire to and the thing that is a lot more complicated than the world likes to tell us. Marriage is something that has been portrayed as a destination. To the outsider, life is a maze, and in your singleness, you're navigating the confusing path we call life. At the end of the path is your person and then you get married and you've exited the "maze" to marriage! That isn't the slightest bit true. In reality, marriage exposes your singleness and in this episode, we sit with Emily Buchanan as she shares her story of navigating love, fighting through relational hurt and tension, as well as what redemptive love looks like. We get REAL real in this episode as Emily shares candidly on how her relationship with God has been magnified through the process of loving and being loved. I learned an incredible deal through sitting with Em and I can't wait for how the Lord meets you in this space too. To keep up with all things Emily, her endeavors, and more, follow her @emilybethbuchanan!

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has been rejected as the ceremonial head of the Anglican communion by a group of conservative primates, over plans to offer blessings to same-sex couples. Archbishops representing 10 of the 42 provinces in the Anglican Communion, part of a group called the Global South Fellowship of Anglican Churches, have signed a statement supporting the move. It's also been supported by the Church of England Evangelical Council. We hear what impact this may have, from religious affairs reporter Harry Farley. What is prompting former Christians to turn their back on the church and convert to traditional African faiths such as ifa? BBC journalist Peter Macjob – himself an ex-Roman Catholic – tells us about his journey. Thousands of school children from all backgrounds will soon have access to the expertise of cathedral choir leaders, thanks to the national Schools Singing Programme. The Programme, which is funded by the Hamish Ogston Foundation, was set up two years ago, working with Catholic schools. But now it's expanded to include six Anglican cathedrals, which will allow it to reach more than 20,000 children every week. And an exhibition of textile art works, raising awareness about the threats to our natural world, has gone on display at Westminster. The Loving Earth Project was started by the Quaker Arts Network, and features more than 400 textile panels made by people all over the world. Presented by Emily Buchanan. Produced by Julia Paul and Dan Tierney.

The pope's tour of DRC Congo and South Sudan culminates with a Mass in Juba, with the archbishop of Canterbury and the moderator of the Church of Scotland. Sister Orla Treacy and student Sarah Adut tell Emily Buchanan about their nine day walking pilgrimage to join the Pontiff. In our series on Ukraine, one year on from the Russian invasion, we hear from father Sergiy Berezhnoy. The Ukrainian orthodox priest and chaplain to the 42nd Battalion of the Defenders of Kyiv, describes some of the challenges of the past year and his hopes for the future. A new report from L'Arche - the international Christian community bringing together those with and without learning disabilities - reveals it's founder, the late Catholic theologian Jean Vanier, used the community as a cover for a mystical sexual sect. Emily speaks with one of the report's authors, to the community's current CEO and to two of its members, about how it moves on from here. Cross-bench peer Frank Field has spent much of his adult life campaigning against poverty and for social reform. Underpinning his political thinking is his Christian faith, as he explains to Emily on the publication of his memoir Politics, Poverty and Belief. The ancient spiritual practice of chanting is now a category in the music industry's Grammy Awards. Emily speaks to chant musician Sean Johnson, of the Wild Lotus Band, about this genre's coming of age. As the Church of England's legislative body prepares to meet, Emily asks the bishop of London, the Rt. Revd Sarah Mullally, about the way forward on the most divisive issue, the recommendation from bishops to allow clergy to bless same-sex civil marriages. Producers: Jill Collins and Katy Booth Production co-ordinator: David Baguley Editor: Helen Grady Photo Credit: Lakshmi Grace Designs

We have a new Hindu Prime Minister! It's the first time this has happened in the UK. So how will Rishi Sunak's faith inform his leadership? We find out from two experts. Many are dreading the cost of fuel bills this Winter - but a new faith-led campaign is offering people the chance to use free, safe, warm spaces across the UK. The Warm Welcome campaign, set up by the ChurchWorks Commission, has signed up more 2,200 organisations to the scheme and has an interactive map on its website showing where they are. We hear from one organisation and a young mum who uses it. The trial of Cardinal Zen, the former Catholic bishop of Hong Kong, is re-opening. It comes days after the renewal of the Vatican's provisional agreement with Beijing over the appointment of bishops - a deal which the 90 year old Cardinal has openly criticised. We hear the views of Lord Chris Patten, the last British governor of Hong Kong, who is himself a Catholic. And, in what's believed to be the first time in the UK, a cathedral has hosted a performance of Islamic nasheeds. The Bradford Nasheed Choir, which is made up of boys aged between six and 14, combines the Islamic tradition of nasheed, sung with one line of harmony, with the Western tradition of polyphony, so that nasheeds are sung in two, three or four-part harmony. Hussnain Hanif, a well-known nasheed artist, joins us to tell us how the performance went. Presented by Emily Buchanan. Produced by Julia Paul and Fiona Leach.

For the first time in Northern Ireland's one hundred and one year history, Census figures reveal there are more people from a Catholic background than there are Protestants. Emily Buchanan looks at what this moment means for the future of the Province. How do you engage post-millennials in the subject of Theology? Two of the finalists in this year's ‘Theology Slam', a competition to find new voices who think theologically about the modern world, enlighten us. The death in custody of 22 year-old Mahsa Amini has sparked waves of protest across Iran. Mahsa was arrested by the country's morality police for the way she wore her hijab. We explore how the country's strict dress code for women is igniting calls for change. C.B. Newham spent the last twenty five years documenting and photographing the contents of more than nine thousand rural Parish Churches. He explains how shifts on the world stage from politics to war to religion, helped shape the fashion for those sculptures. Leicester's Muslim and Hindu Community Leaders are calling for peace after weeks of unrest amongst mainly young men from both faiths. We look at what's behind the tensions in the City, usually noted for it's strong sense of interfaith harmony. In a recent meeting with a group of Faith Leaders, King Charles confirmed his commitment to the Christian faith and described Britain as a ‘community of communities'. Guests from different faith denominations discuss what the Monarch's future relationship with religion could look like. Producers: Jill Collins and Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor: Dan Tierney *Photograph courtesy of C.B. Newham, author of 'Country Church Monuments'.

The stabbing of author Salman Rushdie has again ignited the debate around freedom of speech and religious sensibilities. At this stage it's not known why the 75-year-old was attacked. The broadcaster and journalist Mobeen Azhar, who produced the podcast Fatwa, joins us to talk about the background to the threats made against Salman Rushdie after the publication of his book "The Satanic Verses" in 1988. It is already a whole year since the Taliban took over again in Afghanistan. Thousands of refugees were able to come to the UK - but a year on, up to 10,000 are still living in cramped hotels, while for those left in Afghanistan, life is even more precarious. Marzia Babakarkhail, who was a judge in Kabul, came to the UK in 2008 after the Taliban tried to assassinate her twice. She arrived with no English, but joins us to explain how now she works for the Oldham MP Debbie Abrahams on immigration and asylum seeker cases - and earlier this year ran to be a local councillor. We've talked before about the cost of living crisis, but as prices continue to rise, now religious buildings are also facing huge bills. One Methodist minister tells us that in the last year, his monthly electricity bill has risen from £70 to £1000 a month. New research from the Theos think tank finds many religious organisations are having to make difficult decisions about the services they will still be able to offer. And with many of us overwhelmed by constant stories of environmental or economic crisis, not to mention worries about physical or mental health, the Medicine Festival in Berkshire next weekend sounds like the perfect antidote. Its aim is to envision a more enlightened, peaceful and sustainable world and provides a platform for so called 'indigenous wisdom keepers' to share their teachings, ceremonies and traditional technologies. Presented by Emily Buchanan. Produced by Amanda Hancox and Julia Paul.

Following last week's dramatic tale of how some sacred Sikh scriptures were rescued from a gurdwara in Ukraine, Emily Buchanan went to see them in their new home at the National Sikh Museum in Derby. Patriarch Kirill is the head of the Russian Orthodox Church who is backing President Putin and supporting the war in Ukraine. He reportedly has historic KGB links and a liking for expensive watches, but what do we really know about him? There are an estimated 180 Muslim footballers in the Premier League. How are football clubs catering for Muslim players who are fasting during the month of Ramadan? Presenter: Emily Buchanan Producers: Dan Tierney and Julia Paul Editor: Helen Grady.

A pair of media-savvy nuns in Boston, USA, have attracted over 15 million views to the videos they've posted on social media. The Daughters of St Paul have more than 156,000 followers on TikTok. Their posts give an entertaining insight into life in a convent, depicting dance routines, pranks and funny takes on popular culture. They're an unusual comedy duo, but the sisters tell our presenter Emily Buchanan, that their real objective is simply to bring Jesus into people's lives. The number of people regularly attending Christian churches in the UK has fallen sharply in recent decades. We hear from one clergyman who arrived at church to find that nobody at all had arrived to hear his service. Why is it that fewer people choose to go to church these days, and what's the secret behind those churches that are growing? Tens of thousands of German-speaking Jews were placed in camps during the war in Britain, because it was feared that they might be spies. In fact, many had fled Nazi Germany and sought refuge in the UK, only to find themselves behind bars. Emily hears the story of Bertha Bracey, a Quaker who worked tirelessly to improve conditions in the camps and helped some people to be freed. Producers: Jonathan Hallewell and Carmel Lonergan Editor: Helen Grady

What kinds of faith-inspired statues, sculptures and murals might we see in the future on Britain's streets and public spaces? Faith groups are among those that have been encouraged to apply for part of a £1 million ‘untold stories' grant from the Mayor of London which closes on Wednesday and aims to better represent the capital's communities. The funding follows heated debate in the last few years over which statues should remain standing in the UK. Our reporter Vishva Samani's been finding out more. The Church of England is live streaming its 100th online service since the pandemic began on the 9th January. Sunday spoke to worshippers who are part of the online community - and Emily Buchanan talks with Amaris Cole head of digital for the Church of England and asks will we be seeing more online services? We saw it in the images from the attack on the US Capitol a year ago - the co-option of pagan symbols by far right extremists in support of their ideologies. The phenomenon isn't confined to the States - in this country police officers who are themselves pagan are involved in training counterterrorism agencies to help them recognise and deal with the problem. So what is the appeal of pagan symbols and ideas to far-right and how can the co-option be resisted? Sergeant Andy Pardy from the Police Pagan Association explains. Producers Carmel Lonergan Rosie Dawson Editor Tim Pemberton

Countries around the world are racing to introduce travel bans and restrictions on Southern Africa to contain a new variant of Covid-19. With just ten per cent of Africans having received their first jab, Church leaders on the continent are calling for vaccine justice and faith leaders are working together to challenge vaccine hesitancy. Archbishop Thabo Makgoba, South African Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town and President of the South African Council of Churches, tells us what new challenges the churches face. We hear the extraordinary story of how a rabbi and Kim Kardashian worked together to rescue girls from Afghanistan. And now that local councils are obliged to take in refugee children, we hear about the shortage of Muslim foster parents and how faith helped one young refugee settle into his new life in the UK. The Bible has been translated into many languages but now there is to be a new translation into BSL, or British Sign Language. What will this mean to deaf people? Emily Buchanan talks to Lord Bishop Sentamu of Lindisfarne as he takes over as the first African head of Christian Aid, and we hear how, for the first time, 'Spiritual Abuse' is cited as a definition in the draft statutory Guidance to the Domestic Abuse Act.Producers: Louise Clarke-Rowbotham and Jill CollinsEditor: Helen Grady

In the wake of last weekend's bomb attack in Liverpool, carried out by an apparent convert to Christianity, Emily Buchanan and guests explore the role of religious conversion in the lives of those seeking asylum in the UK. The Stormont executive has agreed to accept all the recommendations of a panel set up to investigate institutions for unmarried mothers in Northern Ireland. We consider the implications and hear the testimony of one survivor, Adele Johnstone. While sayings of the 13th century Sufi poet Rumi are hugely popular on social media, this week ‘Rumi: The Musical' premieres in London's West End with the aim of getting to the human and spiritual heart of the Muslim mystic. Producers: Dan Tierney Olive Clancy Editor: Helen Grady.

Jamie and Emily Buchanan share how they've built a THRIVING, GROWING detailing business while making it fun for the entire team to come to work

Following a two year refurbishment, the Manchester Jewish Museum has just reopened. The former Spanish and Portuguese synagogue is now resplendent in its original colours and the new extension houses a gallery that takes visitors on a journey through Manchester's diverse Jewish history. Next week, visitors to the Hampton Court Flower show (opening 6th July) will be able to sit in the Communication Garden which has been designed by Amelia Bouquet in support of Mental Health UK. Amelia talks about the health benefits of gardening. When Sozan Miglioli is not performing his duties as a Buddhist Monk at the Tassajara Zen Mountain Centre, he becomes a ‘Fire Monk'. Now that wild fires are raging near his monastery in California, he describes his fire prevention techniques to Emily Buchanan. Producers: Helen Lee Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor: Tim Pemberton

The English National Opera and BBC Two are going ahead with a full rendition of Handel's Messiah over Easter. The soprano Nadine Benjamin and the conductor Laurence Cummings tell Emily Buchanan why this socially distanced performance means so much to them. After a tense week in which a Batley school used an "inappropriate" image of the Prophet Mohammed, we discuss how you strike the balance between teaching controversial subjects and promoting respect and tolerance. Emily Buchanan is joined by teacher and campaigner Ayesha Ali-Khan and Andrew Copson, Chief executive of Humanists UK. And the Sikh Women's Action Network, which helps Sikh survivors of domestic abuse, says calls during lockdown more than doubled. Emily Buchanan hears one survivor's story and talks to the co-founder and Executive Director of SWAN Sahdaish Pall about what they are doing to help.

SEASON TWO BAYBEEEEEEE. What a time. This entire month of February, there'll be an episode release every Friday. The first three weeks will be a three part episode of The "Maze" to Marriage with Camilo and Emily Buchanan. The last week will be a conversation on being securely single and unpacking the dating dilemma. I'm super excited for y'all to hear these. Now, getting into this episode: Marriage - the thing that society tells us to aspire to and the very thing that is far more complicated than the world likes to admit. Marriage is often portrayed as a destination -- a place where you can release your sexual desires, have a built-in person, and finally escape the clutches of loneliness, right? We've been taught that life is a maze, and singleness exists to navigate the confusing path we call life for a period of time until we reach the end of the path where you meet your person, get married, solve all your problems, and live happily ever after! Right?! Not quite. Not even in the slightest. In reality, marriage exposes singleness and in this episode, we sit with Camilo Buchanan as he shares his story of how God intricately and beautifully continues to redeem and reflect His glory on his imperfect journey. Ultimately, all of our stories are full of brokenness and moments that we simply don't know what's next -- what we are reminded in this episode is that God's pen has never run out of ink and He's never written a bad story. Part 2 + 3 with Emily Buchanan will be released on February 12th and 19th. To keep up with Camilo and his ministry, follow him @iamkingcam on Instagram!

For our first programme of 2021 we brought together three journalists to talk about the big religious news stories of the past year and what they expect to be reporting on in the next. Emily Buchanan is joined by Justin Cohen, News Editor at The Jewish News, Aina Khan a freelance journalist who writes for Al Jazeera among others and Ruth Gledhill, Multi-media Editor of the Catholic magazine The Tablet. As hospitals across the country struggle under the strain of the current spike in coronavirus cases we hear from Yunus Dudhwala, Head of chaplaincy at Barts Health NHS Trust, about the work they are doing to support both patients and staff. And what role does religion play when it comes to vaccine scepticism? Emily Buchanan talks to Dr Eric Stoddart, lecturer in practical theology at the Centre for the Study of Religion and Politics, University of St Andrews and Dr Hina Shahid, Chair of the Muslim Doctors Association.

Millions of farmers across India are striking in a dispute with the government over new agricultural laws. The Government says the new law would free farmers from a current system of middlemen, but the farmers believe prices will fall and small farmers will struggle. Indians of many faiths are involved but the majority are Sikh and Sikh communities around the world have been demonstrating, concerned at what might become of the some 146 million farms in India, with an average size of less than 3 acres. Emily Buchanan talks with the BBC’s Rahul Tandon. The covid pandemic has undoubtedly changed the way we work, socialise and even worship. But the uncertainty has - for some - given rise to an opportunity of a spiritual awakening. Ellie Quinn - who is in Istanbul, and Oscar Portar, here in the UK - both found themselves converting to a new religion this year. We hear them in conversation sharing their journey to faith in lock-down. The Christmas tree lights in Durham Cathedral will be switched on this Sunday by a nurse and a doctor from the local hospital to pay tribute to the work carried out by 1000’s of clinicians during the pandemic. Dawn Kempson is a Junior sister at University Hospital of North Durham and Dr Tara Watkiss works in A+E at the same hospital. Emily talks to them about how they have coped this past year. Producers Carmel Lonergan Olive Clancy Editor Amanda Hancox

Following the sad news that comedian Bobby Ball died this week Emily Buchanan hears the little known story of how a knock on his dressing room door in 1986 led to him becoming a born-again Christian and how his faith transformed his life. After the attack on the Church in Nice Emily Buchanan gets analysis from three journalists on the fraught nature of relations between France and Islam both home and abroad. She is joined by John Laurenson, Nabila Ramdani and Dorian Jones. And the President of the Board of Deputies Marie van der Zyl responds to the EHRC report into antisemitism in the Labour Party and talks to Emily about rebuilding trust with British Jews. Producer Catherine Earlam Rosie Dawson Series Producer Amanda Hancox

I trust you guys. Enough to present to you, Emily Buchanan, my wife. The owner and artist of Ebb & Flo Studio, where she paints exquisite portraits of people's pets and sells prints of some of her more- unique pieces (did somebody say, ogre?). From Shrek to Furby, to your cat in 1920s speakeasy clothing with a raunchy story behind it, Emily paints it all. We talk about the challenges of social media, calling a project complete, and how parenting can be the ultimate motivator to put your nose to the grindstone to chase a dream down, wrangle it by its ankles and hogtie it with whatever length of rope you can find at the time. We were drinking El Pensador, a Tempranillo from Campo de Borgo, Spain. I give it a 3.5 for a juicy fruity approach to $9 when we bought it. The no-nose review (Emily) gives it a 3 for being cheap and delicious at the time but leaving her with a headache the next day (she's a lightweight so don't take that to heart). Follow Ebb & Flo Studio on Instagram, or check out her Etsy!Follow Nonethelesser on Instagram to socialize.The theme for this episode was produced by Cro_ft. Shoutouts!Aimee HooverFreak of Paper   

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

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

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

Who’s The Real Boss? We know Jamie Buchanan says he’s the "Mack Daddy" but this week to find out who REALLY runs the show when we visit with Emily Buchanan of Visual Perfection on RoadFS Detail Memoirs. Show highlights: Working in a family-owned business Managing a detailing team Strategically pulling back their business to be more profitable Creating a great environment for your team and customers Managing retail and dealership customers Creating a barbershop like environment in the office - delivery driver gossip, helping and providing great services The power of PHENOMENAL service Check out Visual Perfection at Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Visual.Perfection7533 Website: https://www.visualperfectionmorganton.com/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/visualperfectiondetailing

This podcast was a little inkling of an idea when I met Camilo Buchanan at a coffee shop (remember those?) a few months ago to learn from his own experiences leading a podcast called The Pass Down. We came full circle this week when I got to sit down and have a conversation with Camilo and his WIFE Emily to talk about marriage, their perspective on this moment with racism as an interracial couple, being courageous, and where to find HOPE in the midst of it all. I hope you learn as much from this one as I did. 

Erotic story read by Nicole and written by Emily Buchanan.Facebook @ https://www.facebook.com/titillatingstorieswithnicoleSupport the show (https://www.cash.app/$njakobmontes)

The Vatican “Secret” archives will be opened on Monday – what new findings might emerge about Pope Pius X11 war time dealings? Historian David Kertzer and Lisa Billig,the American Jewish Committee's representative to the Holy See, talk about what they expect to discover. L'Arche communities around the world support people with developmental disabilities and those who assist them. Last week a community report concluded that it's founder Jean Vanier abused six adult women. Emily Buchanan talks to Professor Irene Tuffrey Wijne, a member of the Community, and Rev Hilary Ison on how churches and communities can be helped to come to terms with trauma. Andrew Selous MP became the Second Church Estates Commissioner last month. Appointed by the Crown, on the advice of the Prime Minister, the Second Church Estates Commissioner’s role is to act as a link between the Church of England and Parliament and to represent church concerns in the House. He discusses his new role and takes issue with a new report by the All-Party Parliamentary Humanist Group demanding the removal of religion from all activities in the House of Commons. The religious violence which has been happening in Delhi since last weekend has shaken the capital. Rahul Tandon explains the background to the latest violence. Producers: Carmel Lonergan Rosie Dawson Editor: Amanda Hancox

The Church of England’s has its first official football team, founded by an ex-professional from Iran who is now a priest in Sunderland. Emily talks to Rev. Pauya Hedari, captain and founder of the newly-formed Archbishop of Canterbury FC, about this team that will be made up exclusively of priests. Ten years ago the case of a young Christian woman in Pakistan made headlines when she was sentenced to death for blasphemy. Her case was so controversial that two Pakistani politicians were later killed for publicly supporting her and criticising the country’s blasphemy laws. The lawyer Saif ul Malook represented Asia Bibi from 2014 until she was freed from death row. He tells Emily Buchanan about the threats he continues to face. How can St Benedict’s sixth-century Rule, work for the present day and the challenges we face? In his book “The Way of St Benedict” Rowan Williams explores the importance and influence of Benedict's Rule for modern times. Producers: Carmel Lonergan Catherien Earlam Editor: Amanda Hancox Photo Credit: Keith Blundy

Farah Jarral looks at the spirituality of the Bee. Long before we understood the ecological importance of the bee, it was already a precious symbol for many faiths and communities for centuries. Against a back drop of horrendous fires and floods engulfing the parts of the world, Celebration Earth is being launched. It’s an invitation to community groups, faith groups and large organisations to come together to celebrate the earth and help combat Climate change. Emily Buchanan discusses this new initiative with the conservationist Martin Palmer; Dr Chetna Kang, psychiatrist and Hindu priest and Munadiah Aftab, climate change campaigner for Islamic Relief UK. Also legal expert Joshua Rozenberg looks at the implications of a landmark employment tribunal case which this week has ruled that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief and ethical vegans should be entitled to similar legal protections in the workplace as those who hold religious beliefs. Producers Carmel Lonergan Catherine Earlam Editor Amanda Hancox

In the autumn of 1620, 102 passengers set sail from England aboard the Mayflower. Many of those sailing were Puritans, looking for the freedom to practice their religious ideas. Others wanted a fresh start in the New World. The treacherous journey took 66 days and as the Pilgrims established their new colony they battled harsh winters, disease and internal dissent. As the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s journey is about to be commemorated, Emily Buchanan explores the Pilgrim’s journey, their relationship with Native Americans and discovers how their political and religious beliefs helped shape modern America. Producers: David Cook Dan Tierney Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

As we approach Christmas, Emily Buchanan has been to Bethlehem to speak to the Christian community living there. The new Archbishop of York, Rt Rev Stephen Cotterell joins Edward Stourton live to to talk about his plans for his new role. Sue Peart was the Editor of the Mail on Sunday YOU magazine but in 2018 she stepped down from her post and a few months later her mother passed away. Struggling to cope, Sue kept the Samaritans number by her bedside “just in case”. When her life got back on track she decided to volunteer for Samaritans. She talks about the challenges of manning their phones at Christmas. For 37 years, Sir Stephen Cleobury was musical director of one of the world’s most famous choirs - King’s College, Cambridge. He died recently and the Sunday programme pays tribute to his work. Producers: Rajeev Gupta Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor: Amanda Hancox

Norman tells the twisted tale of Seito Sakakibara and the Kobe Child Murders. We also introduce the new third leg of the Why Files table, Emily Buchanan.

94 year old Helen Taylor-Thompson talks to Emily Buchanan ahead of International Women's Day. She was a member of Churchill’s ‘Secret Army’ during World War 2 and went on to found Europe’s first AIDS hospice in the 1980's. She talks to Emily about how her Christian faith has helped her through. A new service in Farsi is launched at Wakefield Cathedral to cater for a growing number of Iranians who have become Christians in the last 5 years. Andrew West in Sydney reports on Cardinal Pell's challenge of his child abuse conviction and one survivor of abuse by a teacher in a Catholic School in Lancashire criticises the Catholic Church in England and Wales over its attitude towards survivors. Christopher Pearson, Chair of the National Catholic Safeguarding Commission responds. Producer: Carmel Lonergan Louise Clarke- Rowbotham Editor: Amanda Hancox

The Foreign Secretary, Jeremy Hunt, talks to Emily Buchanan at the launch of his review into the persecution of Christians around the world. The Bishop of Liverpool Paul Bayes is one of the most vocal advocates of LGBTI inclusion in the House of Bishops. He tells Emily Buchanan about his new book The Table and why he believes the Church needs to be open to all those on the margins. And - its the largest gathering of humanity on the planet but Rahul Tandon tells Emily how the Hindu pilgrimage, Kumbh Mela, is being used as a political platform ahead of upcoming Indian elections. Producers: Catherine Earlam; Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor: Amanda Hancox

Emily Buchanan talks to Libby Purves about her collection of Nativity scenes. After which, Bishop David Walker and the Revd Dr Ian Paul will discuss if Jesus was actually born in a stable and whether or not it really matters. Fergal Keane remembers a happy Christmas time in Soweto in the early 1990s and Yolande Knell has been celebrating the Feast of St Nicholas with Palestinian Christians. The Bishop of Manchester comments on recent figures from the Office of National Statistics which show that the number of homeless people dying in England and Wales has risen by 25% over the past five years. The Dean of Blackburn talks about the gin he has created with a local distillery to raise money for the cathedral and Samantha Calvert, from the Vegan Society, describes a vegan Christmas and discusses why veganism should become a protected belief. And there is a taster from a documentary going out on Radio 4 on Christmas Day about the Once in Royal David City solo which is always sung at the beginning of the Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols from King's College Cambridge. Producers: Helen Lee Peter Everett Editor: Amanda Hancox

We reflect on the deep Christian faith and gospel roots of Aretha Franklin with music, archive and the reflections of biographer David Nathan. American pastor Andrew Brunson is at the heart of a trade war between Turkey and the US. Emily Buchanan talks to Pastor Ryan Keating, who was himself deported from Turkey on charges of being a threat to national security about the place of Christianity in Turkey today. A report at the UN this week claimed that China is holding a million Muslim Uighurs in detention in Xinjiang province. The BBC's China correspondent John Sudworth talks to Emily Buchanan. Carol Monaghan is the SNP MP for Glasgow North West. She talks to Harry Farley about wearing her faith on her sleeve for our series on faith in Westminster. Ahead of the Pope's visit to Ireland a debate is raging over whether the World Meeting of Families is too exclusive and conservative or too liberal and inclusive. Martin Pendergast and Anthony Murphy join the programme to discuss that question. As more and more cases of clerical abuse come to the fore, Emily Buchanan speaks to Mark Stibbe who alleges he was abused by conservative evangelical Christian camp leader John Smyth, who died this week. And Safeguarding expert Donald Findlater discusses why there are so many sex abuse scandals involving clergy. Ben Wood, Chair of the National Association of Teachers of RE, talks to Emily Buchanan about the dramatic drop in RE studies at A Level - why it's declining and what he thinks should be done about it. Editor: Christine Morgan Producers: Catherine Earlam Harry Farley.

Hundreds of people have died after a devastating earthquake hit the Indonesian Islands of Lombok and Bali this week. As Hindus on the islands start making preparations for the cremations of loved ones, Maria Bakkalapulo reports on the rituals and the significance of food during the ceremonies. The Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) accused two Catholic schools of allowing abuse to go unchecked for 40 years. They say both Ampleforth and Downside have blocked efforts to reform their structures. But how did safeguarding in these schools run by religious orders go so badly wrong. We start our series looking into how MP's with a faith balance religious beliefs and political life. This week Harry Farley meets Labour's Slough MP Tanmanjeet Dhesi at his local Sikh gurdwara. Wim Wenders' docu-film Pope Francis - A Man of His Word is out in the UK this week. Richard Fitzwilliams reviews the film with Emily Buchanan followed by an interview with director Wim Wenders himself. Only 2200 out of 550,000 GCSE history students took up the choice to study Israel-Palestine conflict this year. We talk to Michael Davies, a history teacher in Lancaster who says he has come up with an effective way to teach this topic in schools. Suhayl Patel, curriculum manager at the Abrar Academy faith school also joins us to tell us how Michael's teaching methods allowed pupils at his school to understand the conflict from a Jewish point a view. Why do some Muslim women wear a Burka when others feel a simple headscarf is enough to be compatible with their Islamic values? Mona Siddiqui and Fatima Barkatulla discuss the history and theology behind the Muslim veil. PRODUCERS: RAJEEV GUPTA PETER EVERETT SERIES PRODUCER: AMANDA HANCOCK.

We are familiar with yoga and mindfulness but now there's growing interest in an old Chinese practice called Qigong. 5000 years old, it was used by Kung Fu masters to increase their strength. One of the best known Malaysian Chinese Grandmasters is Wong Kiew Kit. Emily Buchanan met him to learn more about this ancient practice. The Church of England has announced plans for 100 new churches in England. The Bishop of Burnley, Philip North and Rector of Holy Trinity Guildford Robert Cotton discuss the future shape of church and whether the church has it's priorities right. This week the Labour Party will formally adopt its new 'anti-Semitism code' - a definition of what does and does not amount to anti-Semitism when it comes to disciplinary proceedings against its members. But the wording of the code has been heavily criticised. Kevin Bocquet reports. Professor Eamon Duffy talks to Emily about his new book, Royal Books and Holy Bones. Cardinal Vincent Nichols visited the Jesuit Refugee Service this week, who are calling for the government to change they way they deal with asylum seekers. Trevor Barnes reports. Amanda Speilman, Chief Inspector of OFSTED gave a speech this week warning of an "expanding sense of religious entitlement" by parents putting pressure on head teachers to change school policy to suit their needs. Emily Buchanan speaks to her about the role she see's for religion in schools. Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon has been appointed the PM's first Special Envoy on Religious Freedom. He tells Emily why his new role is needed and what he hopes to achieve. Producers: Rajeev Gupta Carmel Lonergan Series Producer: Amanda Hancox Photo credit :Fully Alive Ltd.

At a ceremony at Lambeth Palace, the Archbishop of Canterbury broke the ground for the construction of a new library. Callum May reports on the first building to be be built within the walls of the palace in a century. Orphanage trafficking has been described as a 'billion dollar racket' by the Australian politician Senator Linda Reynolds. She was in London this week to raise awareness of the trade in children to populate orphanages that she says 'scam' money from church groups and volunteers. Krish Kandiah from the charity Home For Good tells Emily how they are planning to raise awareness of this issue in the UK. Sunday marks the 25th anniversary of the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence. The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu was an adviser to the inquiry that investigated how the police handled the case. He tells Emily Buchanan about that time, his own experience with the police and whether he is still concerned about institutional racism. Pakistan is scheduled to go to the polls in national elections in July. In rural areas, hereditary holy men can wield significant political power. Dr Adeel Malik from Oxford University tells Emily Buchanan about their influence. Are faith groups doing enough to protect the environment? Martin Palmer from the Alliance of Religions and Conservation debates with the Church of England's lead bishop on the environment, the Rt Rev Nick Holtam. Protests have erupted across India this week after reports of a series of child rape cases. In January an 8-year-old Muslim girl was brutally tortured and killed in Kashmir. Rahul Tandon reports on the claims by some that this shows Muslims and low caste Hindus are not safe in the country. Producers: David Cook Carmel Lonergan Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Emily Buchanan hears from John Ponitfex from the charity Aid to the Church in Need. He's just returned from Nineveh Plains where he says thousands of Christians to are returning home now that Daesh have been forced out of the area. What is the future they are facing? What impact has the recent Referendum on Kurdish independence had on them? The Tohono O'odham are a federally recognised American Indian Nation in South Western Arizona. The word Tohono O'odham means 'desert people.' Prior to the mid 19th century their lands stretched right across the Sonoran desert into Mexico. Since then, a 62 mile border has divided the community in two, but this border has been semi-permeable with tribal members continuing to travel to their ancestral lands. President Trump's plan for a fortified wall threatens that. Penny Boreham reports. The leaders of the Provinces within the Anglican Communion meet in Canterbury on Monday. Three of them will stay away because they believe they can no longer remain in fellowship with the Anglican church in USA and the Scottish Episcopal church who have approved gay marriage, and with Canada which looks set to do so. Sanctions against the SEC are likely to be announced on Tuesday. The BBC's Religious correspondent Martin Bashir is following the conference. Helen Grady reports from Italy where Muslims are struggling to find places to pray together, and Trevor Barnes reports on the impact of the Balfour Declaration on religious communities in the Middle East. Producers Rosie Dawson and Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Series Producer: Amanda Hancox Photograph by Phia Saban.

A memorial to commemorate service men and women from Africa and the Caribbean is to be unveiled in Brixton. Trevor Barnes reports on their contribution during two World Wars and the campaign to build the memorial. William speaks to Rev Dr Alan Everett from St Clements Church and Lotifa Begum from Islamic Relief about their work helping and counselling residents in the community in West London since the fire at Grenfell Tower. Emily Buchanan talks to Christian Malanga, the President of the United Congolese Party. He plans to return to the DCR to initiate a 'peaceful uprising' in a country beset by corruption, sexual violence and instability. Pope Francis demands obedience from priests of Nigerian diocese Christopher Lamb explains why. Preet Kaur Gill, is the 1st Sikh female MP, she talks to William about why she went into politics and how her faith is an integral part of her work. Tim Farron resigned as the leader of the Liberal Democrats this week, saying that he could not reconcile his role in politics with his Christian faith. John Rentoul, Chief Political Correspondent for the Independent; Nick Spencer, research director for the think tank Theos; and Richard Harries, former Bishop of Oxford, will discuss if religion and politics can work and if so how? Photo credit: Windrush Foundation Producers Carmel Lonergan Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor Amanda Hancox.

In the aftermath of the London terror attack, Emily Buchanan talks to Very Rev Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral and to Haras Rafiq, CEO of Quilliam, a counter-extremist organisation. Following President Trump's announcement that the United States is to pull out of the 2015 Paris climate agreement, Emily Buchanan hears from the journalist Sarah Posner, on the religious reaction in the US; and from the former Bishop of Liverpool James Jones, who spent a decade trying to persuade US evangelicals to take climate change seriously. Dr Ibrar Majid, the lead Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital speaks to the BBC's religious affairs correspondent Martin Bashir about his role in treating the victims of the Manchester attack, and its impact on his Muslim faith. Known locally as Paddy's Wigwam and the Mersey Funnel, Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King marks its Golden Jubilee. Bob Walker explores what the anniversary means for Catholics in the city. The Church of England will discuss a proposal to offer a service to celebrate the renaming of people who have had a sex-change. The General Synod motion was put forward by the Rev Chris Newlands, who debates the need for this baptism-style service with the theologian, the Rev Dr Ian Paul. Producers: Dan Tierney and Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Emily Buchanan presents a special Easter Sunday programme exploring the place of religion in rural communities. Emily visits a cattle auction in Yorkshire to examine the changing face of church ministry in the countryside. Rev Sarah Lunn, who is responsible for thirteen churches in Cumbria, explains how she's also helping with a shortage of GPs in the area. Bob Walker reports from the largely rural diocese of Lincoln, where three quarters of churches no longer have a regular weekly church service. The future of the thousands of listed rural Church of England buildings is debated by Bishop John Inge, lead bishop for cathedrals and church buildings, and Simon Jenkins, former chair of the National Trust. Bishop of Ripon, James Bell, and Professor of the Sociology of Religion, Linda Woodhead, consider the future of congregation-led church communities. And London vicar Marie-Elsa Bragg explains her spiritual connection to Cumbria, and how it inspired her first novel. Producer: Dan Tierney Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

Emily Buchanan introduces correspondents' stories. John Beck meets the policeman who used a special disguise to escape from ISIS killers in Iraq; Rebecca Henschke is outside court to hear why some think Jakarta cannot have a non-Muslim Governor. The first president of Seychelles is given a special burial; Tim Ecott explains why it could be the start of reconciliation in the archipelago. Helier Cheung was right there, singing, when Hong Kong was handed back to China; she hasn't forgotten the sandwiches, even if the politics are now more on her menu. Simon Parker is in a Bolivian market, struggling amid the sights and smells of animal flesh, hearing how the meat trade has survived during the country's worst drought in thirty years.

Correspondents' news and views from around the globe: Hugh Schofield is in Paris as French troops take on Islamist rebels in the former French colony of Mali; Will Grant on how Venezuelans are starting to consider a future without their president, Hugo Chavez; Emily Buchanan on the Indian holy man who wowed the ladies in New England; Jo Fidgen on how the Sami people of northern Sweden haven't quite forgotten their traditionally nomadic ways and James Luckhurst takes shelter from the cold and finds a welcome in one of the most unusual museums in the Baltic states.

Emily Buchanan profiles the Archbishop of Canterbury and examines his long struggle to stop the Anglican Church from fragmenting. Rowan Williams was tipped at an early age for high office and he is rated as possibly the most intellectually talented Archbishop of Canterbury for a thousand years. Yet after all the high hopes at his appointment, many are disappointed at what they see as a lack of key leadership qualities. Dragged into seemingly endless rows about gay clergy and women bishops, Williams has had to endure a great deal of abuse from some members of the world's 77 million strong Anglican Communion. His period of office has even been described as a crucifixion. Is he misrepresented by Britain's tabloid press or does he actively court controversy? His opposition to the Iraq war, his call for reparations for the slave trade and his candid predictions that last summer's riots could easily be repeated have raised eyebrows among parts of the political establishment. In 2008, he provoked an outcry after saying the application of Sharia law in England under certain circumstances was unavoidable.A former Religious Affairs Correspondent, Emily Buchanan speaks to those who know him well including the Bishop of London, his school friend John Walters, his biographer Rupert Shortt, and the satirist Ian Hislop. She discovers how Rowan Williams' warm and sympathetic character, with the ability to see all sides of a question, is both his great strength and his weakness. Producer: Lucy Ash.