Sunday Folgen

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

We report the latest from Israel after a wave of surprise Palestinian attacks. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, will pay "an unprecedented price" for their offensive across the border. Thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza, with gunmen entering Israel across land and sea. Israeli fighter jets have been striking Gaza in retaliation. It's a momentous week in Rome where the Catholic Synod is taking place for the first time with laymen and women. Seventy of them will have a vote as they consider topics including LGBTQ Catholics and the role of women in the church. It's inspiring hope in those who see an opportunity for change and anger in others. Could it lead to a schism in the church? We hear from two Catholic commentators, theologian Tina Beattie and journalist Edward Pentin. France has banned its athletes from wearing the Muslim hijab headdress at next year's Olympic games in Paris. The Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera says the ban will ensure ‘absolute neutrality’ at the games, a stance rooted in a principle of French law known as laïcité, which legally prohibits state recognition of any religion. Some have protested that it's a restriction on freedom of expression. We hear the arguments on both sides.A new report highlights a culture of elitism within the Church of England and how working class clergy are left feeling marginalised, ignored and misunderstood. Bishop of Barking, the Rev Lynne Cullens, who's from a working class background herself, tells us how the report could help the church to address its problem with class.Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Jonathan Hallewell and Louise Clarke Editor: Tim Pemberton Studio Managers: Colin Sutton and Phil Booth

Prayers are being said at church services today for the family of 15 year old Elianne Andam, who was stabbed to death while on her way to school in Croydon. A 17 year old man has been charged with murder. William Crawley speaks to local Anglican bishop, Rosemarie Mallett who has been working to tackle knife crime and supporting Elianne's family. It's called the holy grail of medieval history; the search to find the actual handwriting of the Venerable Bede, a monk from the north east of England. He was a man obsessed with learning who became the only English Doctor of the Catholic Church. Professor Michelle Brown has writen a new book, "Bede and the Theory of Everything". She explains what we owe to this saint from the 700s. Hare Krishna rapper Jake Emlyn tells us why he gave up music for his faith and why he's now considering a return to the record industry.There was shock over the felling of the 300 year old tree at Sycamore Gap, a place where people scattered ashes, made marriage proposals and contemplated nature. William hears from the Bishop of Newcastle, Rt Rev Helen-Ann Hartley and asks if you have a spiritual or a strong connection to a particular tree.PRESENTER: WILLIAM CRAWLEY PRODUCERS: BARA'ATU IBRAHIM & LINDA WALKER EDITOR: HELEN GRADY STUDIO MANAGERS: CHRIS HARDMAN & NAT STOKES PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR: DAVID BAGULEY