Sunday

Keith Getty, a renowned Northern Irish composer famous for co-writing 'In Christ Alone', shares insights into the hymn-writing process. He reveals the origins of his hit melody, crafted under unusual circumstances, and discusses family collaborations on new projects. Alim Makbul, BBC Religion editor, provides on-the-ground updates on the Pope's significant visit to Turkey, highlighting interfaith dialogues and pressing issues in the region, including the Pope's message of unity amid religious tensions. Together, they explore the intersection of faith, culture, and community.

The Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that Northern Ireland's Christian-focused RE curriculum is unlawful. Since then, churches, politicians and schools there have been trying to make sense of the possible implications of that ruling, both for RE teaching and for the place of religion in schools more generally. Pope Leo has revealed his top four favourite films ahead of an event in the Vatican where he welcomed some Hollywood A-Listers: including Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen and Monica Bellucci. Alissa Wilkinson, film critic at the New York Times, explores the Pope's passion for cinema. The UK's favourite school assembly hymn will be revealed today, as the winner of a public poll is announced on Songs of Praise, as part of The Big School Assembly Singalong. We speak to Becky Silver, songwriter of contemporary songs for schools and a former teacher, about the role of hymns in schools.Presenter: William Crawley. Producers: Katy Davies and Bara'atu Ibrahim.

Across China, unregistered house churches are facing growing pressure from the authorities as the Chinese Communist Party tightens control over religious life. The Chinese Communist Party says citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law. We've a report from the BBC's Correspondent in Hong Kong, Danny Vincent. Spanish Dictator Francisco Franco died 50 years ago on the 20th of November. We explore the legacy of his system of National Catholicism and how a far right party is gaining popularity in the country today. A religious theme is finding its way into the music charts thanks to the latest album from Rosalia. The Spanish singer herself appears on the cover in the guise of a nun - part of a phenomenon which has now been defined as "nunmania". Sister Gemma Simmonds from the Congregation of Jesus gives her thoughts on the trend.PRESENTER: EDWARD STOURTON PRODUCERS: KATY BOOTH & KATY DAVIS STUDIO MANAGERS: AMY BRENNAN & BEN HOUGHTON EDITOR: CATHERINE MURRAY

It is Remembrance Sunday, and one of the First World War stories we often refer back to at this time of year is the Christmas truce between British and German soldiers. A story has now emerged of a World War Two truce during one of the bloodiest episodes of the conflict between the United States and Japan. Edward Stourton speaks to Professor Nick Megoran from Newcastle University who researched what happened.Metropolitan Hilarion was once one of the most powerful figures in the Russian Orthodox Church — effectively its foreign minister, as well as a theologian and composer. But in 2022 he was removed from office and sent to serve as the head of the Orthodox church in Hungary - there was widespread speculation he was being punished because he wouldn't endorse the invasion of Ukraine. Then last year he lost that job too, following allegations of spying, sexual misconduct, and financial abuse. He's now talked about all this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Budapest, Nick Thorpe. Despite a recent announcement by the RSF agreeing to a three-month humanitarian truce proposed by the Quad Mechanism (US, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia), fighting continues, with explosions and drone attacks reported near Khartoum and Atbara. Sudan's military-led government said it would be wary of agreeing to a truce as the RSF group did not "respect" ceasefires. The Sunday programme hears the latest from BBC Correspondent Richard Kagoe, as well as the Archbishop of Sudan, Ezekiel Kondo, who has been in the UK this weekend.Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Jay Behrouzi Editor: Dan Tierney

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.