Sunday

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 critic Richard Fitzwilliams reviews the latest biblical blockbuster for Sunday.Two thirds of Muslims worldwide are under 30 and have grown up in the shadow of the terror attacks of 9/11. In her new book, Generation M, Shelina Janmohamed tells William how this modern, self empowered generation are shaping the world around them.A poll for BBC local radio reveals there is a shortage of people training to become bell ringers while the demand for bells at weddings and other ceremonies is increasing. We send William off for his first lesson in bell ringing and Kate Flavell from the Central Council of Bell Ringers explains why there is a recruitment problem.Producers: David Cook Peter EverettSeries Producer: Amanda Hancox.

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 much work to be done in a country with great social inequality.On Friday, 20 UK faith leaders delivered a letter to the French authorities which contained the names of over 300 unaccompanied refugee children eligible for transfer to the UK. The French authoritiesâ€TM awareness of the individual names of children alone in the camp means that France has a legal obligation to take the children into protection if it starts its demolition of the camp in September. Trevor Barnes reports.Producers: Helen Lee Peter EverettSeries Producer: Amanda Hancox.

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 Mona has revealed new insights into the religious dynamics between the indigenous population and European colonisers. Dr Alice Samson tells Caroline Wyatt about her explorations in the caves.Simon Loveday talks to Caroline Wyatt about his new book and self-proclaimed labour of love, "The Bible for Grown Ups".Editor: Christine MorganProducers: Catherine Earlam David Cook.

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 Pakistan's Independence day. Iram Ramzan (founder/editor of the website Sedaa - 'Our Voices') and Dr Faaiza Asma (a medical doctor in Derby) discuss the influence of Pakistani Culture in the UK. There is also comment from Dr Niaz Shah (Reader in Law at Hull University and a practising barrister in Pakistan) as the relatives accused of the honour killing of Bradford woman Samia Shahid are due in court in Pakistan on Saturday, 13th August , Producers: Helen Lee Peter EverettEditor: Christine Morgan.

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 against the country's discriminatory caste system. It follows a number of attacks against Dalits in various parts of the country. Rahul Tandon reports.Julia Wilkinson is the only Sports Chaplain from the UK at the Olympics. She tells Trevor about her role in Rio and how she helps support those who missed out on a gold medal.Producers: David Cook Peter EverettSeries Producer: Amanda HancoxPhoto: (c)Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain.

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 Monrovia where she reports on the impact the disease has had on children there.Actor and Erik Satie fan Alistair McGowan talks about how this eccentric French composer expressed his faith. He is joined by Dr Caroline Potter, author of 'Erik Satie and His Music'. Alistair McGowan is presenting a special Prom on Monday to mark the 150th anniversary of Satie's birth.Father Christopher Jamison, Director of the National Office for Vocation, joins Edward live from Krakow to talk about World Youth Day, the Pope's recent comments and church security in the light of events earlier this week in Rouen.Producers: Helen Lee & Peter Everett Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

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 God for forgiveness. Sarah Posner talks to Edward about what the Senator will bring to the Republican campaign for the White House. The Muslim Council of Britain, now in its twentieth year, has a new Secretary General, Haroon Khan. We hear from him about his childhood growing up in 1980s London, the need of MCB to reflect the diversity of Muslims in Britain and what he thinks of Theresa May. It seems Pokemon Go has taken over the world and the churches. Emma Thomas joins Pokemon hunters at a church in Staffordshire. Dr Bex Lewis from Manchester Metropolitan University and "Geek Dad" Andy Robertson discuss the effectiveness of church engagement with digital youth culture.Producer: Rosie Dawson Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

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".Trevor Barnes explores the history of Jewish musicians, composers and religious singers through a celebration of their vinyl recordings at the Jewish Museum in London.Up to 40 Catholic churches in the Diocese of Salford could be closed and 150 parishes merged under a proposed restructuring plan. Bishop John Allen tells William why he may be forced to take these radical actions.Despite the Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's saying he wants to improve the poor relationship between the government and the country's First Nations, it's claimed he has done nothing to stop a housing development on islands sacred to the indigenous population. Sian Griffiths reports.Producers: David Cook Peter EverettSeries Producer: Amanda Hancox.

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 these students give us a preview of some of their thoughts.Nigel Genders, the Chief Education Officer for the Church of England, talks about the Church's 'Vision for Education' (a document discussed at this week's Synod). The C of E wants to run a quarter of the free schools planned by the government (i.e. 125 out of 500).More than 200 women's rights campaigners have sent a letter to the Home Secretary raising serious concerns about the government-appointed independent review into Sharia councils in Britain. Maryam Namazie (who helped to draft the letter) and Mona Siddiqui (chair of the review) discuss.Producers: Helen Lee Catherine Earlam Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

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 Nations to stop referring to Myanmar's Muslim minority as Rohingyas. She would prefer, "Muslim community in Rakhine State". Azeem Ibrahim is the author of a new book called The Rohingyas: Inside Myanmar's Hidden Genocide.BBC correspondent Akbar Hossain has the latest news from Bangladesh after the attack on a café in Dhaka.Ahead of Church of England Synod next week religious affairs journalist Ruth Gledhill joins Sunday to discuss the big issues on the agenda.Producers: David Cook Dan TierneySeries Producer: Amanda Hancox.