Sunday

Caroline Wyatt presents a special New Year edition of Sunday, looking ahead to some of the issues likely to affect faith communities in 2017. Former Bishop of Liverpool James Jones reflects on his work with the families of the Hillsborough victims.And Bob Walker reports from Hull, where religious groups are preparing for the city's year of culture.Producer: Dan Tierney Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

In a special edition of the programme from Hampton Court Palace, Edward Stourton goes back to Christmas 1516 to explore the religious, political and social climate of the time.Tracy Borman, joint Chief-Curator with Historic Royal Palaces tells Edward that 1516 was a good year for Henry VIII. His first child, Mary, had been born and the Christmas celebrations he hosted were described as the most extravagant ever seen. But England and large parts of mainland Europe were about to change forever as the Protestant Reformation that was to begin in Germany in 1517 spread. Trevor Barnes reports how the printing press acted as a catalyst, enabling the distribution of newly translated versions of the New Testament undermining the authority of the Pope and the Catholic church.Fr Anthony Howe, Chaplain to the Chapel Royal at Hampton Court shows Edward his copy of a 1515 Sarum Missal with the name of the Pope scribbled out, demonstrating how liturgy changed in England following the split from Rome.The broadcaster and earl

Composer Bob Chilcott remembers his starring role in the Nine Lessons and Carols from Kings College Cambridge in the 1960s. For three years running, he was the chorister chosen to open the service with a solo rendition of the first verse of Once in Royal David's City.A report from religious think tank Theos argues that it is wrong to measure this country's religious commitment by the numbers who go to church. Edward talks to its author Nick Spencer.His Grace Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK, comments on the bombing and murder of 25 people in St Peter's Coptic Orthodox Church in Cairo.Trevor Barnes asks whether traditional Christmas is in decline because of political correctness and the impact of immigration on British churches. Author Mark Forsyth explores the religious roots of today's Christmas traditions.Father Roger Dawson, Director of the St Beuno's Jesuit Spirituality Centre in North Wales, talks about the new Martin Scorsese film Silence.William Crawley meets Belf

After a 2 year search the Canadian sculptor, Tim Schmalz, has finally found a UK home for his life size sculpture of Jesus sleeping on a park bench. The Rt Rev David Walker, Bishop of Manchester tells Edward why he has backed the placing of the statue outside St Ann's Church in the city centre.Singing Carols are good for your health say the British Lung Foundation. Matthew Hamilton, the Choral Director of the Halle Choir, sits at the piano, sings a few Carols and puts this theory to the test. Rev Charlotte Bannister-Parker takes a personal look at the stigma and fear of violence suffered by gay Christians in South Africa. Rt Rev Bethlehem Nopece, Bishop of Port Elizabeth in South Africa responds. An order to seize church property owned by the Council of Assemblies of God churches has been issued by the Iranian government. They say that this branch of the largest global Pentecostal denomination is funded by the CIA to infiltrate the Islamic world. Mansour Borji from Article 18 explains.Sunday has been given e

Edward Stourton asks Bethany Bell why the rising popularity of right-wing nationalism in Europe is so important in the Austrian presidential election.To mark the 80th anniversary of the abdication of Edward VIII, Radio 4 broadcasts 'The King's Matter', a drama on the deliberations of Cosmo Lang who was Archbishop of Canterbury at the time. The author of the play - Christopher Lee - talks about Cosmo Lang and his motives.The National Holocaust Centre has just opened an interactive exhibit called 'The Forever Project'. It displays Holocaust survivors as 3D laser projections which answer questions from visitors. Bob Walker has been to test it out. Philip North, the Bishop of Burnley, on why he thinks the Church of England is too middle class.Recent research has found that Sikh men with alcoholism are not seeking help for their problem. Steve Bahal is a recovering alcoholic who now works with Sikh alcoholics.The Rt Revd James Langstaff, the Bishop to HM Prisons, responds to a recent report on the rise in suicide

In his first UK broadcast interview the Syrian Catholic priest captured by IS, Father Jacques Mourad, talks to Sima Kotecha about his ordeal and the circumstances of his release. One of the largest surveys of UK Sikh's was published this week. Its authors argue the results will lead to a shake-up of the Government's approach to the needs of British Sikhs. Dr Opinderjit Kaur Takhar talks about its findings. The daughter of Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Mpho Tutu van Furth, talks to Rev Charlotte Bannister-Parker about giving up her priest's license in order to marry her female partner and why she thinks it's time that the Anglican Church took a different view on same-sex marriage. As the world reflects on the life and impact of Fidel Castro, Austen Ivereigh talks to Sima Kotecha about his complex relationship with religion. A camera designed for astrophysics research has helped to bring 150 thousand Birmingham Muslims together for morning prayers. Dr Shahid Merali, the man behind the innovative project, explains wh

The conservative Anglican group GAFCON UK have released a document listing clergy who they say have 'violated' the Church of England's 'authoritative teaching on sexuality'. GAFCON's chairman Andy Lines defends the strategy in a debate with the Bishop of Salisbury Nicholas Holtam who has called the statement, 'outrageous'.In a report to be released next week the Catholic charity, Aid to the Church in Need, say religious fundamentalism is more 'lethal than ever seen before'. The report's editor, John Pontifex joins Edward.Alex Strangwayes- Booth reports on the growing number of Gypsies and Travellers in England who say they have given up drinking alcohol and fortune-telling because they've joined a new Christian movement called Light and Life. The German Islamic organisation that calls itself 'True Religion' was banned on Tuesday after the authorities accused it of recruiting jihadists. Professor Peter Neumann from King's College London tells Edward more about the group. Dr Anabel Inge is the first researcher

Representatives of the UK's faith communities will be joining veterans and dignitaries for this year's Remembrance Sunday commemorations at the Cenotaph. William Crawley speaks to Qari Asim, senior Imam at Leeds Makkah Mosque, who will be laying a wreath on behalf of Britain's Muslims.For many of the soldiers on the frontline during the First World War, the Bible they were issued with offered spiritual comfort. As Hazel Southam reports, one bible did more than that. It saved a life.Why did so many Evangelical Christians vote to elect Donald Trump as the next US President? Author and theologian, Jim Wallis and Charmaine Yoest from the conservative Christian organisation, American Values, debate.How do America's Muslims feel about their future under a Donald Trump presidency? Zainab Chaudry of the Council on American-Islamic Relations and Saba Ahmed, president and founder of the Republican Muslim Coalition, share their views.Terry Waite speaks to Sunday about a new collection of poems, memories and reflections

A senior Church of England Bishop has said we should be "very alarmed" at the way the newspapers reacted to the High Court decision that Parliament needs to vote on the triggering of Article 50 - the process which will take Britain out of the EU. The Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines quoted a Daily Mail headline that called the judges, 'Enemies of the People." He debates with the Daily Mail's Stephen Glover.Hazel Southam investigates a new scheme to boost the number of chaplains working on Britain's waterways.Thomas Reese of the National Catholic Reporter and Sarah Pulliam Bailey, religion reporter for the Washington Post, discuss the importance of religion in next week's Presidential election, in particular the Catholic and Jewish vote.Police in Bangladesh have arrested dozens more people in connection with what's been called a synchronised attack on members of the Hindu minority. The BBC's Charles Haviland reports.The Church in Wales has appointed Canon Joanna Penberthy as the first woman Bishop of St Davids in

William Crawley talks to Archbishop Vincent Nichols about the Santa Marta anti-trafficking conference which brought together police chiefs, the Home Secretary and the Catholic Church in Rome this week. William visits the Muslim Lifestyle Expo to hear how global brands are waking-up to one of the fastest growing consumer markets in the world. Steve Chalke from Oasis UK joins William to discuss how his organisation has set-up what he refers to as a 'safe house' for child migrants arriving in the UK from the Jungle Camp in Calais. Bob Walker reports on the 'Church for Ragamuffins' in Luton which has been set up to support recovering alcohol and drug addicts.Halloween gets bigger every year as a retail event but does it also move further away from it's ancient pagan and religious roots? Professor Ronald Hutton joins William Crawley. One of the largest compensation claims against the Catholic Church begins tomorrow at the High Court in Leeds. Over two hundred men say they were abused at the St William's approved s

Monsignor Nizar Semaan of the Syriac Catholic Church speaks to Edward Stourton about the hopes and fears of displaced Iraqi Christians as the operation to retake Mosul from the so-called Islamic State continues.The link between freedom of religion or belief and the prevention of violent extremism was the subject of a conference hosted by the Foreign Office this week. Trevor Barnes went along to hear the arguments.This half term, an estimated 13 thousand meals will be served to children who would usually have free school lunches. Rachel Warwick, founder and director of 'Make Lunch', the Christian Charity behind the scheme, explores the notion of 'holiday hunger' and the impact of the rising cost of living on the UK's poorest households.The political machinations of the Vatican have inspired HBO's new 10-part series, 'The Young Pope', starring Jude Law. The Tablet's arts editor Joanna Moorhead and Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith from the Catholic Herald discuss the continuing appeal of the Church as a subject for film

Patriarch Kirill is in the UK to mark 300 years of the Russian Orthodox church in Britain. However his audience with the Queen has been criticised by those who see him as an ally of President Putin at a fractious time for Anglo-Russian relations over Syria. Trevor Barnes reports.In Aleppo, Sister Annie Demerjian and her volunteers risk their lives as they deliver aid to the sick and elderly. She tells Edward how airstrikes make life there unbearable for those unable to leave.Within a year or so, the majority of Catholic Cardinals, who will elect the next Pope, are likely to have been appointed by Pope Francis. Veteran Vatican journalist Marco Politi tells Edward that recent appointments point towards a conclave composed of fewer traditionalists than ever before.Rahul Tandon reports on proposals by the Indian government to end the practice of triple talaq, which allows Muslim men to divorce their wives by saying "talaq" three times.Simon Jenkins has been on a tour of 53 Anglican and Catholic cathedrals. He tel

It's the 40th anniversary Prison's Week, a Christian initiative to support all those affected by prisons. As reoffending rates continue to rise Bob Walker reports on the many faith based groups working in this field and explores their effectiveness.As the death toll continues to rise in Haiti following the devastating impact of Hurricane Matthew. Edward Stourton hears from John Hasse of faith-based charity World Vision who is working on the ground in Haiti.Leading Sikh groups have voiced disappointment after Defence Secretary Michael Fallon ruled out creating a Sikh regiment in the armed forces. Jay Singh-Sohal and Gurdinder Singh debate whether a return to Sikh regiments, once revered for their gallantry in battle, would be step forwards or a step back.Devout Catholic and world renowned composer Sir James MacMillan tells Edward Stourton what inspired him to compose a piece of music based on the Stabat Mater, a 13th century poem about the suffering of Mary as she stands at the food of the Cross.Charles Caroll

It is 80 years since anti-fascist demonstrators took on the police and Oswald Mosley's Black Shirts in the East End of London. Trevor Barnes reports on The Battle of Cable Street.The Director of the Anglican Centre in Rome - The Most Reverend Sir David Moxon - joins William Crawley to celebrate the Centre's 50th anniversary and to talk about his role as the Archbishop of Canterbury's Representative to the Holy See. Rabbi David Rosen - Director of the American Jewish Committee's Department of Interreligious Affairs - pays tribute to the former Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres. Why is 15 year old Rayouf Alhumedhi campaigning for a hijaj emoji? This week, the Archbishops of Armagh and Canterbury issued a joint statement welcoming the end of a three-year stand-off between Catholic residents and a protestant group who want to march through their neighbourhood. William talks to Professor John Brewer, an expert in post-conflict peace-building in Northern Ireland. Catholic aid agency Progressio is to

The Church of England wants to attract a more diverse range of people into the vocations. William Crawley is joined by Rev Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy and Rev David Isiorho to discuss why, despite repeated efforts, the Church remains a predominantly white institution.Trevor Barnes has been delving into the fascinating and sometimes controversial world of religious tattooing.After the bombing of a humanitarian aid convoy in Syria the United Nations has suspended all further aid convoys to Aleppo. William talks to Christine Latif from the Christian aid agency World Vision about the current crisis.500 years ago Venice established the world's first Ghetto. Although it was the place where Jews were forced to live, it became a cultural crossroads. Judi Herman reports on events marking the anniversary.According to theologian Harvey Cox, business and theology aren't so far apart. The Harvard Divinity professor discusses his new book, 'The Market as God', with William.The "biggest and most important" changes in 100 years to crem

Edward Stourton talks to The Tablet journalist Christopher Lamb about Pope Francis' visit to Assisi 30 years after Pope John Paul II attended the historic meeting for the first World Peace Day; Trevor Barnes looks at the row over mixed-faith weddings in Sikh temples; Jewish students fight the movement for sanctions against Israel; Rahul Tanton tells Edward about the growth of 'cow vigilantes' as the Indian government cracks down on the illicit cattle trade; putting God into London Fashion Week - as the Church of England releases the video "God and Fashion", Edward asks Simon Ward, author of "The Character of Fashion" what God has to do with fashion; Bob Walker walks with Satish Kumar as he sets out on his 50 mile pilgrimage at the age of 80 and are 'human rights' a Christian concept? Nick Spencer and Julian Baggini discuss. Producers; Peter Everett, Dan Tierney Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

On 'Ability Sunday', Gordon Gill discusses the churches' attitudes to disability and specifically how congregations can make people with learning disabilities welcome. Reporter Sarah Major talks to disabled people about the difficulties they encounter when trying to attend church services.Kevin Bocquet reports on the £1million fund raised by ultra-orthodox Jews to fight custody cases (and prevent mothers from taking their children out of the faith when they divorce their husbands). Are Church of England bishops too 'safe'? Following the death of the former Bishop of Durham, David Jenkins, a number of obituaries have claimed that we will "never see his like again" (i.e. outspoken and willing to question scripture). The Rev Adrian Alker claims that bishops today are too concerned with "putting bums on seats". He is in discussion with the Bishop of Burnley - Philip North.Ahead of the College of Bishops meeting on Monday, the Rt Revd Gregory Cameron, Bishop of St Asaph talks about his decision to appoint a Chapla

On Sunday, 19 years after her death, Mother Teresa will be canonised at a Mass in St Peter's Square. David Willey is in Rome ahead of the ceremony while Mike Wooldridge returns to Kolkata to report on her legacy. He hears why some people in the Indian city are still critical about her work there.Ahead of a threatened expose in a Sunday newspaper, the Bishop of Grantham says he is gay and in a 30 year relationship. He tells William how he believes the Church should move forward on issues of human sexuality.For the past two years the Church of England has held meetings to allow clergy and laity to talk about their differences on issues around human sexuality. Later this month, at a meeting of the House of Bishops, the church will discuss what to do next. Trevor Barnes hears why some churches are threatening to split and form a 'shadow synod' if the church moves in a 'liberal direction'.In 1959, Ben Hur won 11 Oscars and became a cinema classic so how does the latest remake released this week compare? Film criti

Following a recent landmark trial in the Hague - at which Ahmad al-Mahdi pleaded guilty to destroying most of the architecturally and historically precious mausoleums in Timbuktu - Edward Stourton asks the question: Should acts of cultural destruction during conflict be classed as war crimes?Rahul Tandon reports from Calcutta on preparations to celebrate the canonisation of Mother Teresa.Bob Walker visits Greenbelt - the largest Christian arts and music festival in the UK.Edward talks to a priest about the comfort being offered by the Order of Malta to the victims of the Italian earthquake.In 1706, at the age of 21, George Frederick Handel decided to visit Italy. Internationally renown harpsichord player Bridget Cunningham explains how, despite his strict Lutheran upbringing, Handel managed to charm the Catholic church in Rome.This week, the Columbian government signed a peace agreement with the FARC rebels. Christian Aid's representative in Columbia - Thomas Mortensen - explains to Edward why there is still

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 Mon