Sunday Folgen

Ed Stourton and guests reflect on the life and beliefs of John Hume, the politician widely credited with crafting the Irish peace process, who died this week at the age of 83.We get the latest news and analysis following the devastating explosion in Beirut. The Jehovah’s Witnesses and survivors of abuse will appear at the Independent Inquiry Into Child Sex Abuse this week. One survivor calls for the organisation to apologise for what he says are inadequate policies which have failed to protect children. We assess the significance of Pope Francis' appointment of six women including former Labour minister Ruth Kelly to the Council for the Economy which oversees Vatican finances. According to the former Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams the COVID pandemic has triggered a “historic spiritual moment.” The increase in app downloads and online classes suggests more people are seeking spiritual practices. This summer on Sunday we are going to explore some of them, beginning this week with yoga therapy.Producers: Dan Tierney Louise Clarke-Rowbotham.

This week is the 75th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. A group of international leaders founded by Nelson Mandela called 'The Elders' is calling on people across the globe to reflect, pause and recognise the scale of the nuclear tragedy and they are inviting people to join them in crafting an origami paper crane and adding a message of hope. Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland, is an Elder and she tells Edward Stourton why the unravelling of nuclear arms controls and the escalation of nuclear proliferation is still a global existential threat. The decision by the Dean and Chapter of Sheffield Cathedral to disband the choir has been criticised by former choir members and parents of current singers. They tell us why they are unhappy about the move to refresh the cathedral's musical offering and build a choir that reflects the diversity of the city. The Dean, the Very Reverend Peter Bradley joins us live to explain why he had to close this choir so he can 'build the best, if not the best cathedral choir in the UK'.In normal times nearly two and a half million pilgrims from around the world would be expected in the Saudi Arabian cities of Mecca and Medina for the week-long Hajj. Last month Saudi authorities banned international visitors in an effort to limit the spread of Covid-19. Around 10,000 people living in the country have been allowed to attend. BBC reporter Faarea Masud tells Edward that the impact of the cancellation is not only a spiritual blow for those hoping to attend, but it has had a massive impact on businesses too. Producers: David Cook Dan TierneySeries Producer: Amanda Hancox

The Episcopal Bishop Michael Curry is the first African American to serve as presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church. He talks candidly about the soul of America, his hopes and fears post the Coronavirus pandemic, and his concerns about the what he calls a "pandemic of deep and entrenched racism".Until recently, Muslims in Sudan could be sentenced to death for converting to Christianity; even discussing other religions could lead to arrest. Former British Ambassador to Sudan, Dame Rosalind Marsden explains why the liberalisation of such laws in Sudan is a significant step in the country’s development towards a stable and peaceful future.In an exclusive interview with the Dean of Westminster Abbey, Dr David Hoyle, talks about the "breathtaking" loss of income the Abbey has incurred as a result of Coronavirus. Dr Hoyle tells the BBC's Religion Editor, Martin Bashir, the steps he might have to take in order to preserve one of the Nation's most historic buildings.Producers Carmel Lonergan Rosie DawsonEditor Amanda HancoxPhoto credit : TEC