Sunday

Reverend Lisa Coupland, an Anglican priest and reality TV participant, dives into the ethical dilemmas faced while playing The Traitors. Robbie Callis, a BBC reporter, provides gripping updates on the Cambridgeshire train stabbing incident. Bishop Cleon Grandison discusses the church's support for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The conversation also touches on the potential election of New York's first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and how his faith shapes his political journey.

Catherine Pepinster, a noted author and commentator on religion and the monarchy, discusses the historic significance of King Charles’ prayer with Pope Leo in the Sistine Chapel. She highlights how this moment embodies ecumenism and the evolving Anglican-Catholic dialogue. Pepinster also delves into the barriers hindering full church unity, including women's ordination. Additionally, the conversation touches on the potential acceptance of visits by female Anglican leaders to the Vatican, offering intriguing insights into contemporary religious dynamics.

Anna Rowlands, St Hilda Professor of Catholic Social Thought at the University of Durham, discusses the historic meeting between King Charles and the Pope. They explore the profound significance of their joint prayers and the ecumenical implications of such a collaboration. The conversation touches on the evolving relationship between different faiths. Additionally, the controversy surrounding graffiti at Canterbury Cathedral is debated, raising questions about tradition and inclusivity in sacred spaces.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, discusses the role of faith in local governance and his Catholic upbringing. He emphasizes the importance of faith communities in shaping a new vision for civic engagement and rebuilding trust. The conversation touches on the recent Gaza ceasefire, as humanitarian aid mobilizes, and the profound impact of faith on individuals released from captivity. Burnham reflects on how Pope Francis inspired his views on fostering dialogue and encounter between communities.

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with William Crawley.

Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries, former Bishop of Oxford, shares his insights on the impending appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury, emphasizing the need for theological depth and public engagement. He discusses the Archbishop's role in politics and the importance of leadership around race and same-sex relationships. Additionally, new codes in China governing clergy online raise questions about religious freedom, while the future of Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti reflects ongoing reform pressures within the kingdom.

As the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, William Crawley talks to Adrian Gallagher, Professor in Global Security about whether the UN has lived up to its founding principles.Britain's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, has condemned the UK decision to formally recognise Palestinian statehood this week as "an historic error of foreign policy", but could this action forge a way to peace?We're used to seeing faith and religion portrayed in books and films, but now it's religion inspiring video games. The Gaming Vicar, Rev Simon Archer, explains the fascination with religion in video games.On Sunday an open letter in the Sunday Times accused the organisers of the "Unite the Kingdom" rally in central London of misusing Christianity and co-opting Christian symbols.. Pastor Rikki Doolan, who brought Tommy Robinson to faith, explains why the bible should be at the heart of British culture and decision making. We get reaction from Rt Rev Rose Hudson Wilkin and Dr Maria Power, Co editor of "The Church, the Far Right, and the Claim to Christianity" talks to William about the rise of Christian nationalism.Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Amanda Hancox and Katy Davis Studio Managers: Philip Halliwell and Ben Swift Editor: Tim Pemberton

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is being seen as a dangerous moment between left and right in US politics. Sunday explores the Christian nationalist background to the story with Professor Gordon Lynch of Edinburgh UniversityEdward speaks to Bishop Mariann Budde, the woman who memorably asked President Trump to have mercy on marginalised groups in his inaugural prayer service in Washington. Is there a generation gap in Britain's mosques? The head of the Muslim Council of Britain expresses his fears about the 'painful revolution' that could be on the cards if the divide between old and young isn't addressed. We're asking if there's a generation gap in your place of worship and what you've done to address it. Email sunday@bbc.co.uk Pope Leo turns 70 today. Has he given a birthday present to devotees of the Traditional Latin Mass? He announced that Cardinal Burke will be celebrating such a service in St Peter's Basilica in October for the first time since Pope Francis placed restrictions on the form. Edward speaks to Vatican 2 expert Massimo Faggioli from Trinity College Dublin & Catholic commentator Melanie McDonagh. PRESENTER: Edward Stourton PRODUCERS: Catherine Murray & Katy Booth EDITOR: Catherine Earlam STUDIO MANAGERS: Chris Hardman & Patrick Shaw

Pope Leo will preside over a service of canonisation for the first time today. The ceremony also stands out because of the age of one of those being made a saint; Carlo Acutis, who was British born, was just 15 when he died of leukaemia. We discuss the significance of soon-to-be Saint Carlo Acutis with BBC’s Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool. Musa al-Sadr was a hugely influential Lebanese-Iranian Shia cleric. He disappeared on a visit to Libya in 1978, and although there have been persistent rumours that he was killed by the Gaddafi regime, no one has been able to say for sure what happened to him. A new BBC Eye documentary called ‘The Mystery of Musa al-Sadr’ may have the answer. We speak to the programme’s producer and reporter, Moe Shreif. It has been a long wait - for eight months there has been no archbishop of Canterbury. We are now being told that we will know the name of the next leader of the Church of England and indeed the worldwide Anglican communion by the end of September or early in October. The process of choosing him - or, perhaps, for the first time, her - takes place behind closed doors, but we asked Madeleine Davies of the Church Times to take us through the most-talked about candidates. Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Katy Davis & Linda Walker Production Coordinator: Kim Agostino Studio Managers: Olivia Miceli & Mike Smith Editor: Dan Tierney

William Crawley examines the place of prayer in the aftermath of the school shooting that left two children dead and many injured. It comes as the Mayor of Minneapolis spoke out about the need for action rather than 'thoughts and prayers'. He hears about the threat to the future of theology courses at undergraduate level and asks if you put a theology degree to good use? Dame Jasvinder Sanghera and Yasmin Javed, whose daughter was murdered by her husband, discuss the importance of the government's new definition of honour-based crime. We hear the long-lost music of Buckland Abbey, discovered in a 500 year old book and brought back to life by a choir in 2025.The Bishop of Oxford has written an open letter to Nigel Farage after the leader of Reform announced his vision to crackdown on small boat crossings. Steven Croft is in discussion with Tim Montgomerie, activist and member of Reform about whether Christian values and migration measures are in tension.Presenter: Williams Crawley Producers: Catherine Murray & Bara'atu Ibrahim Production Coordinator: Paul Holloway Studio Managers: Adam Dolan & Nat Stokes Editor: Tim Pemberton