Sunday Folgen

The landscape for all faith communities has changed dramatically this week. The doors to churches, mosques, temples and cathedrals closed as communities do their bit to try and keep worshipers safe and reduce the spread of the coronavirus. But keeping those communities together and supporting them through a time of national crisis is proving to be challenging. Joining Edward Stourton to discuss how their faith communities are navigating the current crisis are the Rev Prof Gina Radford - a former Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, Imam Abid Khan from the Cheadle Mosque and Community Centre in Manchester and Rabbi Laura Janner-Klausner - Senior Rabbi to Reform Judaism.The main solution for many religions to the temporary closure of worship spaces, has been to start broadcasting services, prayers and devotional messages online. Sophia Smith-Galer has been taking a look at religion in the digital age and this week she took part in virtual reality Christian service in which the pastor was in the United States and the congregation was spread out all over the world. Today will be a very different Mothering Sunday as many families will be unable to get together. So, The Mother’s Union is stepping up to support members who will be in insolation this Sunday because of the coronavirus. Their Chief Executive - Beverley Jullien - joins William to discuss some of the suggested activities that her organisation has come up with.Producers: Helen Lee Louise Clarke-RowbothamEditor: Amanda Hancox

In the coastal town of Folkestone, historians and archaeologists are celebrating a remarkable find. It dates from 7th Century and is thought to be the earliest verified remains of the English Saint Eanswythe – one of the first converts to Christianity in England. The BBC's Religion Editor, Martin Bashir, reports from Folkestone.Andrew Billen from The Times unpacks the dispute between the Dean of Christ Church College and the some of the academic staff that has cost over £2.5 million in legal fees and created damaging divisions.Italy is in lock-down as the entire nation has been quarantined to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Rome is a place of pilgrimage for millions of people but the Vatican and St Peters Square is closed to the public. Emily talks to Christopher Lamb, Tablet’s Rome correspondent, about the latest news and how coronavirus might impact Easter celebrations. Producers: Carmel Lonergan David CookEditor Amanda Hancox

Sophia Smith Galer reports on religious apps, in the first of a three part series for the BBC World Service Heart and Soul on religion in the digital age. To mark International Women’s Day we hear from three young women about what their faith means to them in 21st century Britain. And the BBC’s Laura Bickers tells Edward why a South Korean religious sect is being investigated over its links to the high number of Coronavirus confirmed cases in the country.Producers: Catherine Earlam, Helen Lee Series Producer: Amanda Hancox