Sunday

The Scottish Episcopal Church has voted to allow their ministers to hold same-sex marriages. Bishop David Chillingworth tells Edward why they changed the Marriage Canon. In response to this decision the conservative Anglican group GAFCON announced that Canon Andy Lines will become their 'Missionary Bishop'. He tells Edward about his new role while Church of England Bishop, Graham Kings considers the impact of both decisions on the Anglican church.The former President of the Irish Republic, Mary McAleese has contributed to a book called, The Moral Heart of Public Service. She tells Edward she's concerned about what she calls the "toxic spores of sectarianism".Prime Minister Theresa May has announced that she plans to form a minority government with the help of the Democratic Unionist Party. Prof Jonathan Tonge from the University of Liverpool explores the religious roots of the DUP.After 3 terrorist attacks in 3 months Kevin Bocquet reports on a petition signed by over 500 Imams and religious leaders who have refused to perform funeral prayers for Muslims who carry out terror attacks. He explores why this response could dissuade some from becoming extremists. The theme for this year's BBC Music Day is the power of music. One group taking part is LIME Music for Health which delivered a workshop at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital which is caring for victims of last month's terror attack. Yoga and meditation used to be seen as a bit wacky then they became fashionable. Now they're getting the kind of scientific recognition that has led to the first fully accredited diploma in Practical Spirituality and Wellness. Edward hears from course organiser, Dr William Bloom.Producers David Cook Carmel LonerganSeries Producer Amanda Hancox.

In the aftermath of the London terror attack, Emily Buchanan talks to Very Rev Andrew Nunn, Dean of Southwark Cathedral and to Haras Rafiq, CEO of Quilliam, a counter-extremist organisation.Following President Trump's announcement that the United States is to pull out of the 2015 Paris climate agreement, Emily Buchanan hears from the journalist Sarah Posner, on the religious reaction in the US; and from the former Bishop of Liverpool James Jones, who spent a decade trying to persuade US evangelicals to take climate change seriously.Dr Ibrar Majid, the lead Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital speaks to the BBC's religious affairs correspondent Martin Bashir about his role in treating the victims of the Manchester attack, and its impact on his Muslim faith. Known locally as Paddy's Wigwam and the Mersey Funnel, Liverpool's Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King marks its Golden Jubilee. Bob Walker explores what the anniversary means for Catholics in the city.The Church of England will discuss a proposal to offer a service to celebrate the renaming of people who have had a sex-change. The General Synod motion was put forward by the Rev Chris Newlands, who debates the need for this baptism-style service with the theologian, the Rev Dr Ian Paul.Producers: Dan Tierney and Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

Chris Anthony & Muhammad Hussain talk to Martin Bashir about why they are taking part in the Great Manchester run on Sunday and what it means to them in the light of Monday's attack at the Manchester Arena. After it became known that the bomber had worshipped at Didsbury Mosque the media descended and the mosque had to defend its reputation. Kevin Bocquet meets some of its leaders. As the case was reopened this week into the murder of Blessed Oscar Romero after almost 40 years ago, Martin asks Matt Eisenbrandte, author of Assassination of a Saint, why it has taken so long. Trevor Barnes meets 98 year old Dennis Brock who has been ringing the bells at his church in Sunbury-on-Thames for nearly nine decades. As people in Manchester are still coming to terms with the concert bomb attack, Martin talks to three faith leaders to have been involved in the response to the attack: the Bishop of Manchester the Right Rev David Walker, Imam Irfan Chishti and Rabbi Daniel Walker. They discuss what needs to be done now to bring communities together, and how best to harness the generous spirit witnessed in Manchester this week. Producer: Carmel Lonergan David Cook Editor: Amanda Hancox.

Each year thousands of pilgrims walk The Camino de Santiago and new routes are opening across the UK. As Trevor Barnes reports, the popularity of pilgrimage brings a raft of environmental challenges. Pope Francis meets President Trump on Wednesday morning at the Apostolic Palace. Previously, the Pope has criticised the President's views on climate change and illegal immigration. Thomas Reese from the National Catholic Reporter discusses with Edward the likely mood of the meeting. Glasgow Council has said it won't accept Ian Brady's body for burial or cremation - why do we mind so much about the dead company we keep? Edward discusses with Prof Douglas Davies.India's Supreme Court has opened hearings into the Islamic practice of instant divorce. "Triple Talaq" is banned in many countries. Aina Khan from Duncan Lewis Solicitors tells Edward why she is worried about the practice in the UK.The BBC drama Three Girls tells the real story of child sex grooming and failings by authorities in Rochdale. Nazir Afzal the former Chief Crown Prosecutor for NW England was portrayed in the programme and he is joined by Zlakha Ahmed from the support group Apna Haq. They discuss the impact of the cases on the Asian community.The poet Gerard Manley Hopkins is the inspiration for a new novel, The Hopkins Conundrum. Author Simon Edge, tells Edward how his attitude towards organised religion changed as his personal life became intertwined with themes in the book.A recent conference in Bahrain brought together archaeology experts from over 14 countries to examine how our view of historic Islam has been distorted by the West. Sylvia Smith reports.Producers: Amanda Hancox Louise Clarke-RowbothamPhoto: Orkney.com.

Does the consecration of an Anglican Bishop in England by a breakaway South African Church make an eventual schism over the issue of homosexuality inevitable? Edward Stourton explores the arguments with Gavin Ashenden, an Anglican priest who left the Church of England earlier in the year, and Anglican theologian Ian Paul. A new report provides the most detailed analysis yet about the make-up of nearly half the adult population in Britain who describe themselves as non-religious. Author of the report Stephen Bullivant reveals the findings.Belfast woman Laura Lacole on her legal bid to have her forthcoming humanist marriage legally recognised in Northern Ireland. And legal historian Professor Rebecca Probert explores the disparity in the law regarding humanist weddings across the UK.As Iran prepares for its presidential election, Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi, Lecturer in Iranian History at Manchester University previews the vote.On a high-profile pilgrimage to the Fatima shrine in Portugal, Pope Francis has canonised two of the three shepherd children believed to have seen a vision of the Virgin Mary there 100 years ago. Trevor Barnes reports. And music composed for the inaugural Mass of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral will finally be performed to celebrate the cathedral's 50th anniversary. Elizabeth Alker has been to the rehearsals.Producers: Dan Tierney and Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Series producer: Amanda Hancox.

A new study suggest medieval Benedictine Monks aided the evolution of the modern chicken because of their dietary rules discouraging the consumption of four-legged animals. Edward talks to the author, Anders Erikson and Dr Andrew Jotiscky, from the University of London The Archbishop of Canterbury is half way through a twelve day trip to the Middle East. During a visit to a refugee camp in Jordan he said Christians in the region "are the past, they are the present and they must be the future." Our Middle East Correspondent, Yolande Knell reports.To mark the first anniversary of the death of MP Jo Cox this June, her husband Brendan is launching the Great Get Together. The initiative is designed to bring people from all faiths and none together in an attempt to bring diverse communities together. Bob Walker reports. Father Andrew Forshew-Cain who was the first Church of England vicar to be in a same sex marriage is leaving his north London Parish. He tells Edward why he believes the Church of England is in a 'mess' and out of step with wider society.Kati Whitaker visits the the Dharma primary school in Brighton where pupils practice mindfulness to help with the stress of exams and school life. Archbishop Peter Jensen explains why the Global Anglican Futures Conference (GAFCON) have decided to create the post of a missionary Bishop based in England. What role should faith play in politics? The Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines, talks to Edward followed by a discussion with Theo Hobson, theologian and writer and Andrew Copson, chief executive of the British Humanist association.Producers: Carmel Lonergan David Cook Editor: Amanda Hancox.

In a special report for Sunday a senior barrister calls for the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse to urgently investigate the Jehovah's Witnesses, as we hear allegations that the organisation has an extensive database of suspected paedophiles.Edward Stourton hears reaction to Pope Francis' visit to Egypt, as he shows solidarity with persecuted Coptic Christians, and reaches out to the Islamic world. The traditionalist Anglican organisation known as Gafcon - the Global Anglican Future Conference - have announced that they are consecrating what they call a "missionary bishop" to look after like-minded Anglicans in Britain. Jonathan Petre from the Mail on Sunday explains the development.Plans to transfer a Dublin maternity hospital's ownership to an order of Catholic nuns has resulted in fierce public opposition. Patsy McGarry from The Irish Times explains why. A prominent musician in India has called for a ban on all loudspeakers used for religious worship in public. Rahul Tandon reveals why this has caused a heated debate across the country.And Lucy Winkett reports on how the Reformation 500 years ago was spread by music as well as theological writings.Producers: Dan Tierney and Rosie Dawson Series producer: 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 LonerganSeries Producer: Amanda HancoxPhoto Credit: Craig Dick.

Emily Buchanan presents a special Easter Sunday programme exploring the place of religion in rural communities.Emily visits a cattle auction in Yorkshire to examine the changing face of church ministry in the countryside.Rev Sarah Lunn, who is responsible for thirteen churches in Cumbria, explains how she's also helping with a shortage of GPs in the area.Bob Walker reports from the largely rural diocese of Lincoln, where three quarters of churches no longer have a regular weekly church service. The future of the thousands of listed rural Church of England buildings is debated by Bishop John Inge, lead bishop for cathedrals and church buildings, and Simon Jenkins, former chair of the National Trust.Bishop of Ripon, James Bell, and Professor of the Sociology of Religion, Linda Woodhead, consider the future of congregation-led church communities. And London vicar Marie-Elsa Bragg explains her spiritual connection to Cumbria, and how it inspired her first novel. Producer: Dan Tierney Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

After the Jorvick Viking Centre was damaged by floods in December 2015 the attraction used the rebuilding opportunity to tell visitors more about the city's Viking history. As Kevin Bocquet discovers, the exhibition now demonstrates how Christianity and traditional Norse pagan beliefs overlapped in Viking-age York.Exactly two weeks after the terror attack in Westminster, four British Imam's travelled to Rome for a private audience with Pope Francis. Although planned long before Khalid Masood's attack, it was the latest effort at improving interfaith dialogue between the Roman Catholic Church and Islam. The BBC's Religious Affairs Correspondent Martin Bashir travelled with the Imams and reports on how the meeting went.In a week of government trips abroad with Theresa May in Saudi Arabia and Liam Fox in the Philippines, Sunday asks whether post Brexit we will still be able to afford ethical foreign and trade policies? Dr Philip Cunliffe Senior Lecturer in International Conflict at the University of Kent and Professor Scott Lucas from The University of Birmingham discuss where lines should be drawn.Ministers from the Church of England, Methodist and Catholic Church have begun offering Chaplaincy services to staff at Sports Direct headquarters in Shirebrook. Edward talks to the new chaplain Rev Karen Bradley. The Bishop of Manchester, David Walker and Kati Harrison, Katie Harrison, Director, Faith Research Centre take a look at the findings of a new ComRes poll on belief in the resurrection and life after death.In response to the lorry attack in the centre of Stockholm on Friday. Edward speaks to Hans Ulfvebrand the Dean at Stockholm Cathedral. Producers Carmel Lonergan Louise Clarke-RowbothamEditor Amanda Hancox.