Sunday

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

This week, it is the anniversary of Elvis's death on August 16th 1977. Ted Harrison - author of a new book called 'The Death and Resurrection of Elvis Presley' talks to Caroline Wyatt about how the cult of Elvis is now taking on some of the characteristics of a religion. The Rev Ravi Holi (Anglican vicar and Elvis impersonator) describes a funeral at which he dressed as 'The King of Rock 'n Roll'.The Rio Olympics are a "huge missed opportunity" to improve the lives of the country's poorest, according to the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (CAFOD). Cecilia Lorio - CAFOD's Brazil Programme Manager - and Rio based journalist Shannon Sims discuss the possible Olympic legacy on the Brazilian people.The spiritual leader of Bahrain's Shia majority - Ayatollah Isa Qassim - goes on trial this weekend. Opposition activist Zainab al-Khawaja talks about her imprisonment at the hands of the Bahrani authorities. Trevor Barnes reports on the Orthodox Jews who have moved to Canvey Island to create a new community.On

Pope Francis has set up a panel to study whether women can serve as deacons. We debate if this is a move that will lead to changes in the role of women in the Catholic Church with Professor Tina Beattie and Fr Alexander Lucie-Smith.In the first 6 months of the year there was a large increase in anti-Semitic incidents. Rabbi Yoni Birnbaum tells us it's time for a zero tolerance policy on hate crime.Reporter Bob Walker has walked the world's most northerly pilgrimage route across Sweden. Along the way he met refugees from around the world who are now living in remote villages and towns there.Canadian comic Ali Hassan is in Edinburgh with his show 'Man Interrupted'. He explains how he gets gags from his Muslim culture without causing offence.During WW1, many Quakers joined the Friends Ambulance Unit as an alternative to fighting. Hazel Southam hears how they worked on ambulance trains ferrying the injured from the front to hospital.The National Council of Churches in India will hold a day of protest next week ag

Last week, Edward Stourton profiled evangelical Christian Mike Pence who is Donald Trump's running mate. This week he takes a look at Catholic Tim Kaine, the man on Hillary Clinton's ticket. Journalist Jay Michaelson describes how Senator Kaine's faith has shaped his politics.Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen of being behind the failed uprising. Philip Kemp reports on the abuse that his followers in the UK are now suffering.The president of the Atheist's Foundation of Australia - Kylie Sturgess - explains why she is encouraging people not to write 'Jedi' on the upcoming Australian census.Live from the Living Islam Festival, Rabbi Laura Janner Klausner, Senior Rabbi to the Movement for Reform Judaism, and Sughra Ahmed,Chair of the Islamic Society of Britain, debate whether or not Christianity deserves its place as the state religion.Two years after Ebola was declared an emergency in Liberia, Chloe Brett the Director of Street Child has just returned from Monrov

Terrorism is a major concern for the organisers of Rio's Olympics due to start in less than three weeks time. So is the city's high levels of violent crime. The Archbishop of Rio, Dom Orani Tempesta, was recently caught up in a gun battle there. He spoke to our reporter, Bruce Douglas. World Youth Day has been described by one commentator as sort of Olympic Games of the Catholic Church. It's the largest regular youth gathering in the world. This year it's being held in Krakow in Poland, home one former Papal superstar and about to welcome another - Pope Francis. Jonathan Luxmore will be there. "Educate Together" run 77 primary and 4 secondary level schools in the Republic of Ireland and demand is said to outstrip supply. It also runs one in Bristol and plans to open more. What are these schools are doing differently? Kevin Boquet went to Bristol for the last day of term to find out. Donald Trump has chosen his running mate, Indianan Senator Mike Pence, and unlike Mr Trump, Mike Pence knows his Bible and asks

Services will be held in churches across France to remember those killed after a lorry ploughed into crowds celebrating Bastille Day. William Crawley talks to Fr Peter Jackson is from Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Nice and lives close to the terrorist attack.This week a new Prime Minister entered Number 10. The daughter of an Anglican priest, Theresa May joins the list of world leaders with a strong religious upbringing. Dr Eliza Filby, author of 'God and Thatcher' and Wendy Alexander, former leader of the Scottish Labour Party and a daughter of the manse, discuss how faith has influenced politic leaders.Kendall House in Gravesend was once a Church of England care home for young girls. It was shut in the mid 80's. One former resident tells William how she was drugged and abused over a two year period there. The Bishop of Rochester, James Langstaff, responds to the findings of the review he commissioned which said the Church's response to allegations about abuse at Kendall House was, "woeful and inadequate".

Ed Stourton talks to Dallas Morning News reporter Naomi Martin about the mood in the city. Later in the programme, he interviews black pastors from the areas where police killed two black men. The United Reform Church has become the first major Christian denomination to allow same sex marriage in its churches. We talk to Lee Battle who has had her own wedding on hold waiting for this moment. Bob Walker follows St. Olav's Way - a 400 mile pilgrimage route which ends at Nidaros Cathedral in Tronheim where Norway's patron saint St Olav is buried.A new report by the Institute for Jewish Policy Research has shown that marriage between Jews and non-Jews is at a record high prompting fears about the effect that 'marrying out' is having on the Jewish population in Britain. Rabbi Aaron Goldstein and Rabbi Dovid Lewis discuss the new research.On Wednesday, students from schools across the country travel to the Houses of Parliament to take part in a debate on what they want from their religious education classes. Two of

Following the EU referendum there has been an upsurge of racism towards minority groups in the UK. Bishop Richard Atkinson, Co-Chair of the Inter Faith Network tells Edward why he is concerned about these incidents.After a difficult press conference to launch a report into anti-semitism in the Labour Party, Edward asks Jonathan Arkush, President of the Board of Deputies of British Jews and John Mann MP if the report's recommendations are enough to rebuild relationships.The Rev Rose Hudson-Wilkin is Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. She tells Edward about a dramatic week at Westminster and her pastoral role in the Palace.On the 1st July 1916, Walter Shaw of the 15th West Yorks Regiment was killed at The Somme. We hear his final letter to his sweetheart Ethel and the reply he never received. In Exeter, Trevor Barnes attends the opening of the '19240 Shrouds of the Somme' exhibition. Artist Rob Heard has hand-made a small figurine to represent every man killed.Aung San Suu Kyi has asked the United