Podcast appearances and mentions of rosie dawson

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

The world's first Sikh court opened recently in the UK. Campaigner Pragna Patel of Project Resist has called it ‘a threat to women's rights'. The barristers behind the court argue that it's a way of plugging a gap in the legal system that's desperately needed. Pragna and Sharan Bachu, Lead Family Judge at the Sikh Court, debate the issues.The leading Protestant theologian, Jürgen Moltmann, died this week. We talk to Miroslav Volf, Director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture, about the man who found God in a prisoner-of-war camp and his theology of hope.Is cricket based on drinking culture and does this unfairly affect the opportunities available to Muslim players? We're joined by ex-England cricket player Azeem Rafiq and commentator Vic Marks who discuss the culture of the game. Is woke a religion? Professor Eric Kaufmann from the University of Buckingham and Professor Will Davies of Goldsmiths, University of London explore whether the movement is religious. Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Alexa Good, Rosie Dawson and Peter Everett Editor: Rajeev Gupta

In the film One Life, Anthony Hopkins plays Nicholas Winton, who rescued over 600 Jewish children from Nazi-occupied Prague by sending them on what became known as the Kindertransport. For this podcast, Rosie Dawson welcomes two people who knew Nicholas Winton personally: Rabbi Jonathan Romain from Maidenhead synagogue in Berkshire, and Lord Alf Dubs, who was himself a Kindertransport child and campaigns for the rights of unaccompanied child refugees. Together with Sue Butler from Welcome Churches, a network committed to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, they discuss what lessons the story of Nicholas Winton holds for us today.

We explore how different religious groups in the United States regard 'replacement theory'. This is the idea that politicians are attempting to wipe out White Americans by 'replacing' them with non-White immigrants and Jewish people and is often associated with Christian nationalism. This 'theory' was referenced by the 18-year-old who is alleged to have shot 10 people dead in a supermarket in a mainly black area of Buffalo. Thirty years ago a group of students from different parts of the UK set about carving out dedicated spaces for Hindu young people at universities. The National Hindu Students Forum is now the largest Hindu student organisation outside of India, representing 10,000 students at Hindu societies across the UK. They marked their 30 year anniversary with a celebration at the House of Lords this week. Edwards speaks to Janhavi Dadarkar who was one of the founding members of the Forum in the early nineties, and Dhruvisha Joshi who's a Hindu student at Loughborough University. And the Commonwealth War Graves Commission is encouraging us to remember the people of different faiths who contributed to the world wars. We hear about Noor Inayat Khan, the Sufi Muslim pacifist who turned British resistance agent during the second world war. Noor was executed by the Nazis and cremated at Dachau. She was later awarded the George Cross in 1949. Picture of Noor Inayat Khan courtesy of Shrabani Basu. Producers: Julia Paul and Rosie Dawson. Presenter: Edward Stourton

As the Aretha Franklin biopic ‘Respect' premieres this weekend, we explore how the singer helped to bring black spirituality into the mainstream of American life. Ahead of a public consultation and proposed ban on so-called 'conversion therapy' in England and Wales, we hear views about how a ban should work in practice and what the implications could be for some religious groups. The latest polling in the US suggests that around a quarter of white evangelicals don't want the Covid vaccine. We explore how much religion is playing a part in their decision and how church leaders are influencing uptake of the vaccine. Research by Sunday has found that over the past decade the number of applicants accepted onto religion and theology related undergraduate courses in UK universities has nearly halved. We ask what might be behind the figures and examine the value of a theology degree. Producers: Dan Tierney and Rosie Dawson. Editor: Helen Grady.

Following the death of the Duke of Edinburgh, William Crawley looks back on his life and reflects on his faith with Bishop Graham James, Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, historian Coryne Hall and the writer Martin Palmer. Also in the programme, as violence returns to the streets of Northern Ireland, how significant is this moment and do religious leaders have any influence on events? With the Catholic Bishop Noel Treanor, and the Presbyterian Moderator, Dr David Bruce. And the musicologist Michael Spitzer, author of the new book 'The Musical Human: A History of Life on Earth', explores how music was fundamental to our evolution and its relationship to religious and spiritual beliefs across the world and across time. Producers: Dan Tierney and Rosie Dawson.

How was the date of Easter decided in the West? Michael Carter, Monastic Historian at English Heritage explains why Whitby Abbey played a crucial role. Ethirajan Anbarasan from the BBC's Sihala service gives the latest on the bombing of churches and hotels in Sri Lanka where hundreds have died. Cardinal Vincent Nichols head of the Catholic Church in England and Wales joins Emily live to discuss issues effecting the Catholic Church. Rosie Dawson reports from New York where an alliance of Christians have been following their own version of the Stations of the Cross in an attempt to highlight the suffering of victims of sex trafficking. And why are people drawing similarities between the Easter story and the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral? Adrian Dorber, Dean of Lichfield and Father Aidan Troy, Parish priest of St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Paris, discuss it. Producers: Rajeev Gupta Helen Lee Editor: Amanda Hancox Photo Credit: English Heritage

For Easter weekend Rosie Dawson joins a group of the faithful in New York as they follow a very different Stations of the Cross - a series that bears witness to the scourge of sex trafficking - a modern form of slavery - that every year traps thousands of young girls and women in the city. It marks the start of a campaign against hugely controversial plans to make New York the first state in America to completely decriminalise the sex industry. Rosie travels New York’s Via Dolorosa (The Way of Tears) that trafficked girls and women in New York often find themselves taking. Reverend Adrian Dannhauser is the guide on this alternative journey. "If we legalise the industry we will go back to the days of the '70s when you had lines of African-American women lined up in Times Square like slaves on an auction block." Rosie joins the pilgrims at the bus station and at JFK airport, the gateway into the US for so many women trafficked from abroad. We take in the notorious motel where men pimp the women they control. And finally a human trafficking intervention court, which recognises that those arrested on prostitution charges are likely to be victims of sex trafficking, violence and trauma. Producer: Rosie Dawson (Photo: Rosie Dawson)

This week marks the 25th anniversary of the first female ordinations in the Church of England. Rosie Dawson reports on the struggle women faced to become priests and the opposition that still exists in some segments of the Church. Amanda Spielman is Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of schools and she has angered some conservative religious groups by saying all children must learn about same-sex couples, regardless of their faith background. She responds to parents at Parkfield Community School in Birmingham who have withdrawn their children in protest at lessons about LGBT issues. Scottish couples are nearly four times less likely to divorce if they marry in a Humanist ceremony, according to figures given exclusively to Sunday. We discuss the story with Andrew Copson, chief executive of Humanists UK and Harry Benson, research director at the Marriage Foundation. Producers: Harry Farley Peter Everett Editor: Amanda Hancox

We’ve heard some strong stuff. Perhaps you knew these stories already but had you heard them preached about in Church? Is it really appropriate to do so? Rev Dr Helen Paynter thinks it is. In this final podcast she talks to Rosie Dawson about the need for Christians to find the resources in the Bible that can help them in their quest for sexual justice.

This passage contains not a story about sexual violence, but a metaphor of it. The writer of Revelation uses the imagery of sexual violence to speak of the punishment that awaits the prophetess Jezebel who is accused of leading the church into idolatry. Dr Meredith Warren tells Rosie Dawson why she believes the language used in this passage is damaging for the one in four women in churches who have suffered sexual abuse.

Every reader comes to the Bible with their own history and set of assumptions. In this introductory episode, Rev Dr Helen Paynter tells Rosie Dawson which principles and commitments inform her engagement with Biblical texts about sexual abuse and violence.

For more than three centuries, St. Bride's Church in Fleet Street has had a close connection with the newspaper industry. The saddest services are funerals of journalists killed in the line of duty. Between 1st January and 14th December 2018, at least 53 journalists were killed around the world. Standing in front of the journalists’ altar, Edward meets two veteran journalists - the BBC’s Lyce Doucet and the photojournalist Sebastian Rich to discuss the changing nature of war zone reporting. Later today, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church will officially gain its independence from the Russian Orthodox Church. Jonathan Luxmoore explains the importance of the split. As new figures reveal an influx of lone child refugees amongst the boatloads of people crossing the Channel, the Bishop of Dover talks about the need to show greater compassion for those risking their lives to get to the UK. James Cary is a sit-com writer who also sits on the Church of England’s General Synod. He says that Christians have lost the ability to see the humour in the Bible. He talks to Edward about his new book ‘The Sacred Art of Joking’. Indian women have been demonstrating in Kerala against their exclusion from the Sabarimala Temple. The BBC’s India correspondent Yogita Limaye explains why. Rosie Dawson reports on the American Red Letter Christians who are planning to launch the movement in this country. Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as president of Brazil on New Year’s Day. What impact is his faith going to have on his country now that he holds the reins of power? The BBC’s South America correspondent Katy Watson reports. Producers: Helen Lee and Catherine Earlam Editor: Amanda Hancox

As Supreme Court nominee Judge Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearing comes to an end, the BBC's White House reporter Tara McKelvey talks to William about his religious background and how it might appeal to the religious conservatives. Should Religious Education be renamed Religion and Worldviews and include non-religious perspectives such as Humanism and atheism? A major commission on RE has urged the Department for Education to do just this. William discusses it's findings with Rev John Hall, Dean of Westminster Abbey and chair of the commission. The Visible Recovery Movement is an alternative to 12 step fellowship programmes for those with addiction. Rosie Dawson went on a recovery walk in Shrewsbury to find out more. Professor Alison Scott-Baumann from SOAS tells William about the biggest research study ever of Muslim students in British universities. As the Archbishop of Canterbury warns of the need for the wealthy to be taxed more, theologian Dr Ian Paul and Andy Walton from the Centre for Theology and Community discuss whether the Archbishop is right. The Chief Rabbi has issued guidance for Orthodox Jewish schools on how to protect and improve the lives of LGBT pupils. Journalist Angela Epstein explains what the guidance entails and reaction to it. Harry Farley continues his series of interviews with politicians about their faith and politics by talking to the Conservative MP Gary Streeter. Producers: Catherine Earlam Peter Everett Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

The nave of Chester Cathedral has been transformed into a huge theatre set for the performance of medieval mystery plays which take place in the city every five years and are running now. Rosie Dawson has been to a rehearsal. Nigel Lawson once likened the NHS to a religion; Trevor Barnes explores whether people think the NHS is a religion. After several years of mental illness, Guy Stagg set off one morning, from London, to walk to Canterbury. This led him to follow the paths of the medieval pilgrims to Jerusalem and he explains how this walk of over 5000 miles has helped his recovery. The chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis accompanied the Duke of Cambridge on his historic tour of Israel and the Palestinian territories. The Chief Rabbi talks to Edward about the trip and the wider significance of it. Does the church attract narcissistic personality types in leadership roles? Some new books on the topic suggest this is certainly the case. Edward discusses with Mark Vernon, former priest and psychotherapist and Andre Spicer from Cass Business School. The Court of Appeal in Belfast has ruled that humanist celebrants must be registered by the state as able to perform legal marriages for couples. We look at what this means for humanists as they take on more services such as funerals, naming ceremonies and marriage. Professor Linda Woodhead from Lancaster University talks about the role of such non-religious ceremonies. Producers Carmel Lonergan Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Series Producer: Amanda Hancox Photo credit: Neil Kendall.

There are more than 10,000 graveyards associated with the Church of England and more than half are managed solely because of their natural historical significance. Bob Walker met Professor Stefan Buczacki who explains why Churchyards are so important and why their Eco system needs preserving. The spotlight is on London this week as violent crime rises month by month. Pastor Tobi Adegboyega, is a senior pastor at SPAC Nation church in the capital. He talks to Edward Stourton about strategies his church is employing to help reduce violence on the streets. Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders have joined forces to call for a policy limiting benefits to families with more than two children to be scrapped. The Bishop of Chelmsford, Stephen Cottrell is one of the 60 Church of England Bishops who signed a letter to the Times this week. The author and journalist Peter Stanford has been interviewing politicians and people in the public eye about their faith and beliefs for over 35 years. He explores why conversations about faith tend to be uncomfortable, even confrontational, and thus instinctively avoided. Between Manchester's Victoria station and the Co-op's new glassy energy-efficient building lies a red brick building, 150 years old and a monument to Victorian philanthropy. The area is earmarked for a major redevelopment programme - Rosie Dawson looks at what this might mean for the building and the people it serves. This Sunday a documentary on Channel 4, "Jesus' Female Disciples: The new Evidence" looks at the role of women in the early church. Theologians, Helen Bond and Tina Beattie examine the role women played then and now. Producers: Carmel Lonergan Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor: Christine Morgan Photo Credit: Felicity Price-Smith.

If you had to buy your weekly food without it being packaged and wrapped in plastic how would you manage? Tracey Logan reports on how she avoided using plastic for the 40 days of Lent. In a message released for Easter Sunday, the Rt Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham argues the moral case for businesses to pay the real 'Living Wage''. Alex Chalk the Conservative MP for Cheltenham tells Edward he has written to the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, asking them to conduct a separate investigation into the Jehovah's Witnesses after a growing number of people come forward with complaints about the organisation. A Service of Hope at Westminster Abbey will mark the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the civil rights leader Martin Luther King. So what of his legacy today? Was King's idea of how to achieve a society based on 'justice, equal opportunity, and love of one's fellow human beings', flawed? The theologian Robert Beckford and academic Kehinde Andrews debate. The University of Sheffield in collaboration with the Church of England and the BBC's Daily Service has developed the prototype for a priestly robot that can perform services for all occasions. Rosie Dawson meets the robot that's about to be rolled out across rural parishes. The Easter story presents some challenging themes for RE teachers and school assemblies. Sarah Major reports on how some schools approach the brutality of the Crucifixion and the complexity of the Resurrection in their lessons. On Easter Sunday, the RAF celebrates its centenary. Peter Devitt, from the RAF Museum tells Edward more about the history of the different faith groups who have served over the past 100 years. Producers: David Cook Rajeev Gupta Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

90 years ago listeners to the BBC were for the first time able to tune in to a live daily act of worship. Rosie Dawson has been looking back over the years and catching up with the current team as they celebrate this milestone. Baroness Onora O'Neill, Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at the University of Cambridge, talks to William about our ethics and values in the twenty first century. On New Year's eve most of us look forward to the new year according to the Gregorian Calendar but some people also follow a Lunar year. Trevor Barnes asks what's it like living life according to two calendars? He made his way one Saturday evening to the home of Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner as she prepared to see out the Sabbath with her family and her friend, the Muslim journalist Remona Aly and talked to them about living with both calendars. American religious journalist Sarah Posner looks back on President Trump's first year on office and his impact on religion in the USA. Journalists Harry Farley & Sughra Ahmed look forward to 2018 and give their thoughts on what they think the big religious stories will be. The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu talks about the stories that captured his attention in 2017 and his hopes for the New Year. Producers Carmel Lonergan Rajeev Gupta Editor Amanda Hancox.

Will Ernie Rea and guests sing William Blake's "Jerusalem" at Last Night of the Proms? In Beyond Belief this week Ernie discusses how the poem of a fiery non-conformist has become the beloved anthem of such disparate groups of people - from union-jack-waving Promenaders to the English Defence League and the Women's Institute. Billy Bragg tells Ernie why he would like "Jerusalem" to be England's National Anthem. Ernie is also joined by the novelist Catherine Fox, poet Malcolm Guite and historian William Whyte. Producer, Rosie Dawson.

Will Ernie Rea and guests sing William Blake's "Jerusalem" at Last Night of the Proms? In Beyond Belief this week Ernie discusses how the poem of a fiery non-conformist has become the beloved anthem of such disparate groups of people - from union-jack-waving Promenaders to the English Defence League and the Women's Institute. Billy Bragg tells Ernie why he would like "Jerusalem" to be England's National Anthem. Ernie is also joined by the novelist Catherine Fox, poet Malcolm Guite and historian William Whyte. Producer, Rosie Dawson.

Is it a religious duty to give to beggars? If you go into the centre of a city like Yangon or Bangkok, you will also come across people begging. Among them will be fine robed Buddhist monks with their begging bowls. They're highly respected members of society, following the tradition of religious mendicancy. What differentiates them from what we know as street beggars? What should inform our decision on whether or not to give? Joining Ernie to discuss religious and moral attitudes to Begging are Jon Kuhrt, Chief Executive of the West London Mission; Eleanor Nesbitt, Professor Emerita from the University of Warwick and founder-member of the Punjab Research Group, and Dr Andrew Skilton, Senior Research Fellow in Buddhism at Kings College London. Producer, Rosie Dawson.

Is it a religious duty to give to beggars? If you go into the centre of a city like Yangon or Bangkok, you will also come across people begging. Among them will be fine robed Buddhist monks with their begging bowls. They're highly respected members of society, following the tradition of religious mendicancy. What differentiates them from what we know as street beggars? What should inform our decision on whether or not to give? Joining Ernie to discuss religious and moral attitudes to Begging are Jon Kuhrt, Chief Executive of the West London Mission; Eleanor Nesbitt, Professor Emerita from the University of Warwick and founder-member of the Punjab Research Group, and Dr Andrew Skilton, Senior Research Fellow in Buddhism at Kings College London. Producer, Rosie Dawson.

Is the sermon dead? In a digital age when the ten second soundbite is the favoured means of communication, it is too much to expect people to sit through a ten or twenty minute talk with no means of interaction? Joining me to discuss The Sermon are the Rev Dr Joe Aldred, Bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy: Reform Rabbi Barbara Borts,Newcastle; and Dr Bex Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University. Producer. Rosie Dawson.

Is the sermon dead? In a digital age when the ten second soundbite is the favoured means of communication, it is too much to expect people to sit through a ten or twenty minute talk with no means of interaction? Joining me to discuss The Sermon are the Rev Dr Joe Aldred, Bishop in the Church of God of Prophecy: Reform Rabbi Barbara Borts,Newcastle; and Dr Bex Lewis, Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing at Manchester Metropolitan University. Producer. Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss B.R. Ambedkar's role in forming modern India. It's 70 years since the new country of Pakistan was born ; followed the next day by an independent India. There can be few who are unaware of the seminal role played by Mahtama Gandhi in the struggle for independence. Much less known is Dr B.R Ambedkar. Many would argue that his contribution was every bit as important. Ambedkar was the country's first Law Minister and he was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. He was a Dalit - or Untouchable - and he had a major falling out with Gandhi on how the problem of Untouchability should be dealt with. Joining Ernie to discuss Ambedkar and his Legacy are Dr. Ananya Vajpeyi, Fellow and Associate Professor at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, New Delhi; Santosh Dass, President of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations and Vice Chair of the Anti Caste Alliance; and William Gould, Professor of Indian History at Leeds University. Producer. Rosie Dawson.

Ernie Rea and guests discuss B.R. Ambedkar's role in forming modern India. It's 70 years since the new country of Pakistan was born ; followed the next day by an independent India. There can be few who are unaware of the seminal role played by Mahtama Gandhi in the struggle for independence. Much less known is Dr B.R Ambedkar. Many would argue that his contribution was every bit as important. Ambedkar was the country's first Law Minister and he was the chief architect of the Indian Constitution. He was a Dalit - or Untouchable - and he had a major falling out with Gandhi on how the problem of Untouchability should be dealt with. Joining Ernie to discuss Ambedkar and his Legacy are Dr. Ananya Vajpeyi, Fellow and Associate Professor at the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, New Delhi; Santosh Dass, President of the Federation of Ambedkarite and Buddhist Organisations and Vice Chair of the Anti Caste Alliance; and William Gould, Professor of Indian History at Leeds University. Producer. Rosie Dawson.

In some rural areas, church spires are offering a solution to deliver high speed reliable wireless broadband internet access to local communities. Rosie Dawson reports from the Yorkshire Dales. Rabbi Lord Sacks is participating in the Thatcher Conference on Security on 27 June in London. He talks to Edward about what values he thinks the West should stand for and why he calls the idea of global fragmentation 'cultural climate change'. Jayne Ozanne, a senior Anglican, is calling on the government to recognise spiritual abuse as a separate category from the four that are already recognised. Bob Walker asks what is spiritual abuse and how will recognition as a distinct type of abuse help survivors? Prosecutions in Russia for religious literature and videos deemed 'extremist' rose between 2015 and 2016. Forum 18 News Service have been monitoring this and say that none of the material appears to incite the violation of human rights, violence and hatred. Felix Corley from Forum 18 explains the current situation. The independent review into the way the Church of England handled the case of Bishop Peter Ball was published this week. We ask whether the recommendations go far enough and speak to survivor Graham Sawyer and solicitor David Greenwood about what further action needs to be taken. Bishop Peter Hancock, who represents the Church on safeguarding, responds to their concerns. Producers: Carmel Lonergan Rosie Dawson Editor: Amanda Hancox.

French voters take part in the first round of the Presidential elections on Sunday. Dr Charles Devellennes from the University of Kent tells Edward Stourton why religion, once a taboo in French politics, has grown in importance in political discourse. Pope Francis arrives in Cairo on Friday. He will meet the Coptic Pope and the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar mosque. Fawaz Gerges, Professor of International Relations at the LSE and Samia Sidhom, of the Coptic newspaper Watani International discuss the significance of the visit for Muslims in Egypt. An influential report by the Church of Scotland's Theological Forum says the Kirk should allow ministers to conduct same-sex marriages. Journalist Rosemary Goring tells Edward about the proposals. The remains of five Archbishops of Canterbury have been found beneath a medieval parish church next to Lambeth Palace. Trevor Barnes investigates why their remains appear to have been mislaid. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are leading the Heads Together campaign to end stigma around mental health. It's the official charity of the London Marathon. Edward hears from Dan Dark, an RE teacher who is running to support his wife who has struggled with anorexia. Later, Edward explores how churches are changing their approach to mental health. The Archbishop of Canterbury's daughter Katharine Welby-Roberts talks about her depression with Dr Kate Middleton a Director of Mind And Soul. 'Islands' is a new play that commemorates the 350th Anniversary of the 1667 Treaty of Breda in which the Dutch ceded Manhattan to the English in exchange for the tiny spice island of Rhun. Rosie Dawson has been to rehearsals. Producers: David Cook & Carmel Lonergan Series Producer: Amanda Hancox Photo Credit: Craig Dick.

The former Chairman of the Co-op Bank, Paul Flowers, has been removed from the Methodist Church's list of ministers. In an exclusive broadcast interview Mr Flowers talks to Edward about the action taken by the Methodist Church and how he reconciles his actions with his faith. The Church of England's Bishop with responsibility for homelessness James Langstaff explains why some Christian organisations believe that the Government and local authorities need to do more to implement a comprehensive, long-term national strategy to end homelessness in England. She was one of the last debutantes destined to live a life of luxury, but then she had a calling from God. Sister Agatha tells Rosie Dawson about her extraordinary life. A reading from the Qur'an at St Mary's Cathedral in Glasgow has not only embroiled the Cathedral in controversy but sparked a wider debate on whether or not Christian buildings should host inter-faith worship at all. Bob Walker reports. The three-step process to elect a new prelate for Opus Dei will begin on January 21st. Edward talks to Dan Hitchens from the Catholic Herald about Opus Dei and their future. Mel Gibson's latest film is the incredible true story of Congressional Medal of Honour recipient Desmond Doss. 'Hacksaw Ridge' follows the conscientious objector-turned-medic as he heads to the front line of World War II. Richard Fitzwilliams , talks to Edward about the film and discusses whether this will be a redemptive film for Mel Gibson. Producers: Carmel Lonergan Rosie Dawson Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

The majority of government money to improve security at places of worship went to Christian applicants. Edward Stourton asks Nick Tolson who sits on the Places of Worship Security Panel if this indicates that hate crime against Christians in the UK is under reported. A year-long arts festival is about to begin at London's Southbank Centre, called 'Belief and Beyond Belief'. It aims to explore "what it means to be human" in the 21st century. It's the idea of the London Philharmonic Orchestra's principle conductor, Vladimir Jurowski. Twelve people at Peterborough Cathedral have been made redundant as the bishop seeks to resolve a "cash flow crisis" there. Rosie Dawson investigates how serious levels of debt were allowed to build up. Yolande Knell reports on the implications of a proposal by President elect Trump to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The Church of England has announced grants of £9 million to renew the church across 7 dioceses. The Bishop of Birmingham explains how he intends to use his cash and Sarah Major reports from one project at the heart of the initiative. Theo Hobson's new book 'God Created Humanism', argues for the need to acknowledge humanism's Christian roots to create a more united society. Theo Hobson debates this with Julian Baggini from Philosophers' Magazine. Jane Haining worked for the Scottish Mission School in Budapest and looked after Jewish girls at the Kirk run school. She was arrested by the Nazis in 1944 and died in Auschwitz. Her niece Deirdre McDowell tells Edward about some of the memorabelia that belonged to Ms Haining that will be featured on BBC 1's Antiques Roadshow. Producers: David Cook Dan Tierney Series Producer: Amanda Hancox Photo by David Iliff. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0.

One feature of Usain Bolt's track appearance generally overlooked by sports commentators are his expressions of faith. Does Britain have a problem with religion in sport? Dr Nick Watson and Dr Brian Hennings discuss with Caroline Wyatt, on the last day of the Rio Olympics. Caroline Wyatt talks to the Baptist Pastor, Evan Mawaire, who's taking on the Mugabe regime in Zimbabwe. This year marks the 500th anniversary of the year that Martin Luther lit the spark that led to the Reformation. Rosie Dawson reports from the place where it all began - the German town of Wittenberg. "Clowning is about comedy and tragedy, death and resurrection." The only Church of England priest who was also a professional clown, Roly Bain, passed away this week. We reflect on his unique ministry. Kevin Bocquet reports on why a planning application for an Eruv in a usually quiet South Manchester suburb is facing opposition when it is something that works well in other parts of the country. A cave on the uninhabited Puerto Rican Island of Mona has revealed new insights into the religious dynamics between the indigenous population and European colonisers. Dr Alice Samson tells Caroline Wyatt about her explorations in the caves. Simon Loveday talks to Caroline Wyatt about his new book and self-proclaimed labour of love, "The Bible for Grown Ups". Editor: Christine Morgan Producers: Catherine Earlam David Cook.

As the nation celebrates the Sovereign's 90th Birthday, Mark Greene - co-author of 'The Servant Queen and the King She Serves' - talks to Edward Stourton about the Queen's faith. There is currently a campaign in Australia to repeal a law which allows people to use a so-called 'gay panic' defence in murder cases; if someone makes a sexual advance, you can claim that was the reason you lost control and killed them. The growing demand to change this law is being led by Roman Catholic priest Fr Paul Kelly. Hazel Southam visits St Luke's Church in Wolverhampton - which is on the Church of England's top ten endangered buildings list - to investigate the problems faced by congregations who find themselves in charge of historic buildings. The Pan-orthodox Council taking place on Crete next week has been in the planning since the 1920s. In fact, the last one was held over 1000 years ago. Russian Orthodox priest Fr Cyril Hovorun explains why the alliance between the orthodox churches is so fragile. Rosie Dawson speaks to Libby Lane and Philip North who have been the bishops of Stockport and Burnley for 18 months. They discuss their friendship, which has not always been easy as they hold opposing views on the ordination of women. As EURO 2016 gets underway, three football fanatics discuss their faith and the beautiful game. Historian Dr Robert Saunders talks to Edward about the churches' role during the 1975 EEC referendum campaign. A UN committee has called on the British government to repeal a law that school children in the UK to take part in a daily act of Christian worship. Dr Alison Mawhinney analyses the UN's concerns. Producers: Helen Lee David Cook Series Producer: Amanda Hancock.

The Sunday programme investigates allegations that the Jehovah's Witness ordered the destruction of documents that could be used during the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse. Was this in contravention of Section 21 of the Inquiries Act 2005 which is punishable by imprisonment? Katy Watson reports from Mexico City as Pope Francis begins his historic trip there. As the BBC launches a series of programmes about mental health, Trevor Barnes goes inside the oldest psychiatric hospital in Britain to meet the mental health chaplains who work there. Rosie Dawson explores the Christian festival of Lent through the mindful reflection of art in six of Manchester's most iconic venues. A new book by Rev Steve Chalke, founder of the youth and community charity Oasis, claims initiatives to 'prevent' young people from being exposed to negative and dangerous radicalisation can only go so far. The Church of England say they have 'won the war' on payday loan companies. William asks Eric Leenders from the British Bankers Association who was on the Archbishop's task group what they achieved and how. Producers: David Cook Carmel Lonergan Editor: Amanda Hancox.

A notice placed in the Jewish Chronicle by the London Beth Din has called for a man to be banned from Synagogues as he won't give his wife a religious divorce. Lawyer Joanna Greenaway explains why they decided to 'name and shame'. As Myanmar holds its first contested general election in 25 years there's concern that the Muslim population has been denied a vote and that Buddhist monks are too influential. We have the latest on polling day from our correspondent there. Thousands of British Asians are expected to pack Wembley to welcome the Indian PM Narendra Modi to the UK next week. We debate if inter-religious tensions in India have worsened since Modi came to power or if his policies are forging a new united India. Two new books have exposed what they claim is, 'corruption, mismanagement and waste' at the heart of the Holy See. Christopher Lamb, Rome correspondent for The Tablet, tells Edward Stourton about Vatican reaction to the revelations. Bob Walker reports on the blitz that destroyed Coventry Cathedral 75 years ago and how it still shapes Remembrance Sunday in the city. The last surviving nuns who inspired the BBC 1 drama, Call the Midwife, are selling up and downsizing. Rosie Dawson pays them a visit them as they pack up the prayer books. When hospital chaplain Jeremy Pemberton married his same sex partner the licences he required to work were refused by the Diocesan Bishop and he was unable to take up a new job. This week an employment tribunal ruled that decision was legal. Jeremy tells Edward what he plans to do next and Ruth Gledhill from Christian Today analyses what this decision means for the Church. Producers: David Cook Rosie Dawson Editor: Amanda Hancox Photo courtesy Coventry Cathedral.

When TATA Steel announced the loss of 900 jobs at their plant in Scunthorpe, one of the first people on site was industrial chaplain Peter Vickers. Bob Walker spent the day with him to hear how he is galvanising support for those affected. Scandals in the NHS, Parliament and religious groups have undermined the public's trust in these institutions. On Monday, Lord Blair chairs a discussion with the Archbishop of Canterbury and Chief Rabbi about the challenges religious leaders face. Lord Blair tells William Crawley why he believes organisations have lost the confidence of the public and what they need to do. The battle took place in 1415 near modern-day Agincourt in northern France. King Henry V was victorious. Juliet Barker author of Agincourt: Henry V and the Battle That Made England, tells us about the faith driven king A recent report claims the majority of British Jews will be from the ultra-orthodox community by the end of the century. Rosie Dawson visits one of the largest communities in Manchester to explore the changes this could bring. It's been 3 weeks of 'Cardinals clashing' and our reporter Helen Grady has been in Rome observing Church politics during the Synod on the Family. Father Alexander Lucie-Smith and commentator John Thavis debate the direction they think the Church will head after this Synod. A 400 year old Bible that encourages adultery will go on sale next month. The typo caused a scandal when the mistake was discover in 1631 and led to the downfall of the printers. Professor Gordon Campbell looks at this and other unholy printing errors. Producers: David Cook Rosie Dawson Editor: Amanda Hancox.

India is about to go to the polls. 788 million people are eligible to vote in the world's largest democracy. The role of regional, local and caste-based parties is important in Indian politics where Governments tend to rule by coalition, but this election is being represented as an epic struggle between the Indian National Congress party and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by the controversial figure of Narendra Modi, a Hindu Nationalist. Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the role of religious nationalism in Indian politics are William Gould, Professor of Indian History at the University of Leeds, Atreyee Sen, lecturer in Contemporary Religion and Conflict at the University of Manchester, and Zoya Hasan formerly Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University and currently National Fellow of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). Producer: Amanda Hancox, Rosie Dawson.

India is about to go to the polls. 788 million people are eligible to vote in the world's largest democracy. The role of regional, local and caste-based parties is important in Indian politics where Governments tend to rule by coalition, but this election is being represented as an epic struggle between the Indian National Congress party and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) led by the controversial figure of Narendra Modi, a Hindu Nationalist. Joining Ernie Rea to discuss the role of religious nationalism in Indian politics are William Gould, Professor of Indian History at the University of Leeds, Atreyee Sen, lecturer in Contemporary Religion and Conflict at the University of Manchester, and Zoya Hasan formerly Professor, Jawaharlal Nehru University and currently National Fellow of the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR). Producer: Amanda Hancox, Rosie Dawson.

Presented by Roger Bolton, this is the place to air your views on the things you hear on BBC Radio. This programme's content is entirely directed by you. Are radio programmes about prisoners too sympathetic? In this week's Feedback, Roger meets two programme makers to discuss your questions on the rights and wrongs of radio about prisons. Rex Bloomstein is the presenter and co-producer of Radio 4's Dying Inside, which looked at the experiences of the growing number of older prisoners, over 40% of whom are men convicted of sexual offences. Rosie Dawson produced The Bishop and the Prisoner following the Rt Rev James Jones, the Church of England's Bishop for Prisons, as he talked to prisoners, politicians and pundits about the prison system. One listener has tried six times to get a ticket to watch the recording of Just a Minute - and still had no luck. Another was turned away from a recording of the Today programme even though she had a ticket. She compares the BBC to a low-cost airline. We put your concerns about radio recordings to Francesc Rivas, Studio Audience Manager. As the allegations surrounding Jimmy Savile continue to make the news, we hear your reactions to the way the BBC is covering the story. Plus the art of reading aloud. After many listeners were underwhelmed by the acclaimed actress Anna Maxwell Martin's rendition of a recent Book of the Week, we ask what makes a good reader? Producer: Kate Taylor A Whistledown production for BBC Radio 4.