Sunday

The Church of England’s first black bishop in more than 20 years says he came to Britain from Nigeria as a missionary to help a “spiritually deficient” country. William Crawley speaks to the Right Rev Dr Woyin Karowei Dorgu, the 13th Bishop of Woolwich.The Catholic Archdiocese of Mexico has condemned as "traitors" any local businesses that help build President Donald Trump's proposed border wall. David Agren is a journalist based in Mexico.Stephen Rasche, from the Chaldean Archdiocese of Erbil tells Edward Stourton that Iraq’s oldest Christian community is at risk of a ‘sudden slide towards extinction’ unless action is taken to safeguard their future. Campaigners from the art world have been lobbying the Roman Catholic Bishop of Salford, urging him to save a rare mosaic by the artist, George Mayer-Marton. It forms part of a church building in Oldham which is scheduled for closure. Kevin Bocquet reports.To help to cover the costs of the elaborate passion play being staged at Manchester Cathedral next weekend, the fund-raising team came up with a novel idea. In return for a generous donation, you can experience 'an almost authentic' crucifixion. Alex Stewart-Clark Head of the Passion Trust defends the idea while Geoff Millard from the Manchester Passion explains why it won't be happening.The state of Gujarat in India has passed a law to introduce a life sentence for anyone caught slaughtering a cow. Rahul Tandon reports.A carol sung by the monks of Battle Abbey has been set to music for the first time in 500 years. Kati Whitaker was invited to the recording of the carol which was recently discovered at the 11th century Benedictine abbey.Producers: David Cook Peter EverettEditor: Christine Morgan Photo credit: Diocese of Southwark

Yollande Knell reports on the completed renovations at the tomb of Jesus in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.Baroness Pitkeathly, Chair of the House of Lords Select Committee on Charities, talks about her new report on the future of British charities and how Brexit is going to affect their funding.Last week, Jeffrey John, the Dean of St Albans, publicly accused the Bishops of the Church in Wales of "anti-gay discrimination" after he was informed that his name will not be taken forward as a candidate for the See of Llandaff. A few days later, a group of Welsh MPs published an open letter to the Church in Wales College of Bishops in support of Jeffrey John. Madeleine Moon MP for Bridgend explains why she co-ordinated the letter and the Bishop of Swansea - the Rt Rev'd John Davies - responds to Jeffrey John's criticisms.Following the death of Martin McGuiness, two of his friends discuss the fact that he was a devout Roman Catholic. David Latimer (a Presbyterian Minister) and Father Michael Canny both took part in his funeral service.Ben Moore reports from the 16th-century chapel at The Vyne in Hampshire where they have created a 'soundscape' of a Tudor Lady Mass, as Henry VIII might have heard it when he visited in October 1535.It has been revealed that the man who committed the terrorist attack at Westminster on Wednesday was a Muslim convert who, it is believed, turned to Islam whilst in prison for violent crimes. His actions have been widely condemned by the Muslim community but how can British mosques identify and prevent the development of those who join the faith to pursue a Jihadist path? To discuss, Edward is joined by Jamal Heath (a convert to Islam in later life) and by Ibrahim Asmary (a Senior Outreach Worker in Westminster).

The remains of hundreds of babies and toddlers found at a former Bon Secours mother and baby home at Tuam, Co. Galway have led to calls for further investigation. Joe Little from RTE talks to Martin.The first publication of a historical encyclopaedic text on Jainism has been launched by SOAS University of London. It was written by Dr Johannes Emil Otto Klatt who dedicated his life primarily to the study of the historical records of Jainas. Martin talks to Dr Peter Flügel, he's made the writing accessible in English for the first time.Bob Walker reports on the religious response to the European Court of Justice ruling on the wearing of hijabs at work.Bishop Anba Angaelos, General Bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom is calling for the international community to do more to address the escalating deadly attacks on Christians in Egypt. The Vatican has confirmed that a papal trip to Egypt will happen in April. It follows the end of a five-year freeze in relations between the Vatican and the Al-Azhar University in Cairo. The Tablet's Christopher Lamb talks to Martin about the state of Catholic-Islamic dialogue.Senior government defense adviser, Major-General Tim Cross, has said that Foreign Office officials' understanding of the importance of religion is inadequate. He discusses this with Francis Davis former faith advisor to cabinet ministers. Trevor Barnes hears the quarter peal of bells at Westminster Abbey dedicated to Julie McDonnell, she has terminal cancer and has raised over 7 million pounds for Cancer research ringing bells. Producers Carmel Lonergan Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor Amanda Hancox.

Following Bishop Philip North's decision to turn down a promotion after clergy in his new diocese objected to his stance against ordaining women priests, William Crawley speaks to the Very Rev Martyn Percy and Bishop of Wakefield Tony Robinson about what this means for the Church of England's aim to "disagree well".The General Pharmaceutical Council is proposing new guidance aimed at ensuring person-centred care is not compromised because of the personal values and beliefs of pharmacists. We hear the arguments for and against their implementation.The longest-running religious programme on BBC television, Songs of Praise, will no longer be produced by the corporation. Broadcaster and trustee of the Sandford St Martin Trust, Roger Bolton gives his reaction to the news.Research by Save the Children this week claims to have found widespread evidence of 'toxic stress' and mental health issues among children in Syria. Trevor Barnes reports on how religious groups and communities in the UK are addressing the psychological trauma of children from conflict zones.Commonwealth Young Person of the Year Achaleke Christian Leke reveals how he went from being in a violent street gang in Cameroon to working as a counter-extremism activist. Nike has become the first major sports clothing brand to launch a sport hijab. World Thai kickboxing champion Ruqsana Begum explores what this could mean for Muslim women's participation in sport. Producers: Dan Tierney Louise Clarke-RowbothamSeries producer: Amanda Hancox.

"Between Myth and Reality" the sculptures of Chaim Stephenson, is at the Crypt of St Martin-in-the-Fields, Trafalgar Square till the 10th May 2017. Chaim passed away last year aged 89, Edward met with his wife Lynne Reid Banks at the exhibition she told him about his work and their life together.The worst excesses of the Indian wedding industry may soon be curbed if a new bill is approved. The proposed bill will not only limit the number of guests and dishes served to avoid waste, but also put a "tax" on the most extravagant newlyweds. Rahul Tandon reports from India.Ahead of International Women's Day we talk to 'our woman in Rome' Sally Axworthy, UK ambassador to the Vatican, about her first 6 months in a very unique and male dominated diplomatic role. And we speak to two women who embody the theme for this year's International Women's Day - Be Bold for Change - Julie Siddiqi and Laura Marks - organisers of Britain's first ever Jewish/Muslim Women's Conference which aims to challenge the narrative around the role of women in religion. The announcement that Philip North has been named as the next Bishop of Sheffield has been criticised by many women in the diocese as he has said that he does not support and will not participate in the ordination of women as priests and bishops. Kevin Bocquet reports from Sheffield. Followed by an interview with the Bishop of Repton, the Rt Revd Jan McFarlane. The 30th anniversary of the sinking of the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry will be marked on Monday. 193 people lost their lives. Sailors' Society Chaplain Bill McCrae and Kim Spooner who lost her aunt and uncle recall the events of the 6th MarchProducers Carmel Lonergan Peter EverettEditor Amanda Hancox.

There's a risk Guildford Cathedral could close after a council planning committee rejected a proposal to build 134 houses on cathedral land. The Dean of Guildford Cathedral says money raised by the sale of the land would have provided long-term funding for the maintenance of the building. Trevor Barnes reports.Church leaders from South Sudan have called on the international community to assist millions of people who are facing starvation in the country. Canon Ian Woodward tells Edward Stourton about the historic link the Diocese of Salisbury has with South Sudan and what they are hearing about the situation there. More churches in America have declared themselves 'sanctuary churches' offering protection from deportation to undocumented migrants. Jane O'Brian reports from Washington DC.Dr Peter Mandaville is a former Senior Advisor at the US Department of State under both Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. He's been invited to speak at the British Islam Conference. He tells Edward about the challenges he believes Muslims now face following the US election and Brexit vote in the UK.For his latest book, the veteran Labour politician Roy Hattersley has turned his attention to a what he describes as 'the adventure story' of Catholics in Britain and Ireland.BBC reporter Roddy Munro tells Edward why some families on the Isle of Lewis are protesting against a decision by the local council not to open a swimming pool on the Sabbath.Should Bristol Cathedral remove a stained glass window that celebrates the legacy of the merchant and MP Edward Colston because he made much of his fortune through the slave trade? The Dean, David Hoyle debates with theologian Robert Beckford.Producers: David Cook Louise Clarke-RowbothamEditor: Christine Morgan.

In 2015 the Bishop of Manchester told this programme of his concerns about homelessness in Manchester. After the broadcast the city council contacted the Bishop to discuss what needed to be done better. Bob Walker reports on how this lead to a radical change of approach.The Catholic Church has paid out more than $276 million in compensation to thousands of victims of child sexual abuse in Australia. Andrew West from ABC Radio reports on the hearings at the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. The Heritage Lottery Fund has approved the development stage for the "Bats in Churches" project, bringing together wildlife and heritage conservation and church organisations to save bats and protect churches. Trevor Barnes reports.Nick Bundock Team Rector for St James and Emmanuel, Didsbury talks to Edward about the painful journey his church has been on since a coroners report into the suicide of a teenager pointed to her struggle to reconcile her sexuality with her faith. The conflict-driven food crisis in Yemen could become a full-blown famine this year warns the UN. Imran Madden the director of Islamic relief talks to Edward about what is needed.The Archbishops of Canterbury and York have written to members of the General Synod setting out the next steps following the vote on General Synod not to take note of the report on Marriage and Same Sex Relationships. Synod members Susie Leafe, Director of Reform and Jayne Ozanne, LGBT+ campaigner, give their reaction whilst the Bishop of Willsden, Pete Broadbent, tells Edward how the Bishops will respond.Photo Credit (c) Hugh Clark/www.bats.org.uk Producers Carmel Lonergan Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor Amanda Hancox.

In an unprecedented move, 14 retired Church of England Bishops have released a letter expressing concern about the House of Bishops' report on marriage and same sex relationships. The former Bishop of Worcester Peter Selby, who wrote the letter, speaks to William Crawley.A man who claims he was beaten when he was a boy by John Smyth, the former head of a Christian charity, says his abuser claimed the beatings could be theologically justified. David Hilborn, Chair of the Theology Advisory Group for the Evangelical Alliance and Angela Tilby, Canon Emeritus of Christchurch Cathedral, Oxford join William to discuss' 'violent theology'.Trevor Barnes speaks to the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby about his book 'Dethroning Mammon'.Campaigners have challenged the government's handling of the arrival of unaccompanied child refugees from Europe, at a High Court hearing. The Bishop of Chelmsford who co-sponsored the Dubs amendment responds to this week's events.Alex Strangwayes-Booth reports on a pioneering NHS project that is using faith and belief as part of its mental health treatment for Muslim patients.Adam Matthews from The Church Investors Group explains why they have publicly warned the bosses of FTSE 350 companies that they will vote against 'excessive pay deals' at their AGMs. Rebecca Henschke reports from Jakarta, on the blasphemy trial of Jakarta's Christian governor which is testing Indonesia's pluralist constitution and multi-faith society.Fans of Bollywood movies in Pakistan will not be able to watch an Indian blockbuster after the country's film board banned the movie for its apparently unflattering depictions of Muslims. Rahul Tandon reports.Producers: David Cook Louise Clarke-RowbothamSeries Producer: Amanda Hancox.

The head of the Order of Malta, Matthew Festing has resigned because of the Pope's intervention. But what does this episode mean for the Knights of Malta and other orders? Christopher Lamb, Rome Correspondent for the Tablet, talks to Edward.The charity Marriage Care has spent the last 70 years embracing and upholding the Catholic vision of marriage as a response to high divorce rates post World War II. So how does it stay relevant today when marriage and relationships are very different. Kevin Bocquet reports.A new project, in St Albans Diocese: 'Take your Vicar to the Lab,' aims to promote healthier appreciation and co-existence between religion and science. Trevor Barnes puts on his white coat as he accompanies a group of clergy into a lab.The decision to return St Issac's Cathedral, in St Petersburg, from a museum back into a church has sparked protests with over 200,000 signing a petition opposing the plans. Oleg Boldyrev tells Edward why people are angry with the announcement.Richard Chartres, stepped down this week after 20 years as the Bishop of London. Martin Bashir talks to him about his time in office.Journalist and theologian Andrew Greystone and Anne Atkins talk to Edward about the Iwerne Trust and the allegations of abuse that have been in the news this week.When President Trump told an audience of religious leaders on Thursday that he would 'destroy' the Johnson Amendment, he declared his intention to sign a law that would fundamentally alter a major aspect of the church-state divide that has been a constant in American politics for generations. Journalist Sarah Posner explains the implications.Producers Carmel Lonergan Rosie DawsonEditor Amanda Hancox.

On Friday the House of Bishops released a report saying the Church of England shouldn't change its teaching on marriage but recommending that it reviews other aspects of how it treats LGBTI+ clergy and laity. The Rev Rachel Mann is critical of elements of the report and gives Martin Bashir her reaction to it.The Rev Peter Sanlon had threatened to create a 'partnership synod' if the Church 'watered down' traditional teaching on marriage and homosexuality. He tells Martin what he plans to do next in light of the report.The Bishops of Manchester and Maidstone respond to criticism that the Church has come up with a 'don't ask, don't tell' solution.As the Anglican Communion's longest-serving archbishop, Dr Barry Morgan, retires after 14 years as leader of the Church in Wales, he reflects on his time in office with Caroline Wyatt. More seafarers were kidnapped at sea last year than over the past decade. The Sailors' Society has trained 20 chaplains to provide 24-hour crisis response for them and their families. Hazel Southam reports.Jill Saward, who died earlier in January, was a formidable campaigner who inspired changes to legislation, policy and attitudes on rape. Her husband Gavin Drake talks to Martin about Jill, and what she meant to her family and those she supported.The South London Liberal Synagogue in Streatham is trying to raise £50, 000 to convert a disused caretaker's flat in the building to accommodate a refugee family from Syria. Trevor Barnes reports.Producers: David Cook Amanda HancoxPhoto: Oceans Beyond Piracy.