UK Hindu community reaction to Air India plane crash; Zen Buddhist master; Israel-Iran strikes
The horrific plane crash in Gujarat sent shockwaves through the UK’s Hindu community — many of whom have close ties to that region of India. The day after the tragedy, Emily Buchanan visited the vast Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Neasden, North West London, to speak with Tarun Patel, a spokesperson for the temple, and Tilak Parek, a scholar of religion and anthropology.We also hear from the BBC’s Chief International Correspondent, Lyse Doucet, on the latest developments in the Israel-Iran conflict.And it’s not every day that a kung fu master becomes a modern-day influencer. But with the publication of his book Shaolin Spirit: The Way to Self-Mastery in English, Shi Heng Yi — founder of the Shaolin Temple Europe — is reaching new audiences. His TED Talks have inspired millions to explore martial arts as well as daily practices for mind and body.Presenter: Emily Buchanan
Producers: Katy Davis & Rosie Dawson
Studio Managers: Simon Kelsey, George Willis & Joe Stickler
Editor: Rajeev Gupta
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40:37
Pope Leo Inauguration; Jewish merger; Archbishop of Canterbury delays
William Crawley talks to Cardinal Vincent Nichols ahead of the inaugural mass of Pope Leo XIV and hears from correspondent Bethany Bell in Rome.
He hears what is causing a delay in appointing the new Archbishop of Canterbury.
There's news of an historic vote to merge Liberal and Reform Judaism.
And as talks get underway for a ceasefire in Gaza, we hear from Fr Gabriel Romanelli from the only Catholic parish in the strip.
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43:06
New UK ‘blasphemy law’ claims, Syria’s Alawites, Beatboxing nuns
A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with Edward Stourton.
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35:07
Sudan; Elvis Presley; Catholic church closures
With the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine top on the news agenda, it may be easy to miss ongoing war in Sudan. The medical charity Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has this week highlighted the extensive use of sexual violence against women and girls - some of them very young indeed - in the Darfur region. We hear testimonies from survivors and Edward Stourton speaks to Ruth Kauffman, the MSF Medical Emergency Manager for Sudan and by Dr Harun Issack Muslim Aids Country Director for Sudan. The King? A healer? An American shaman? We explore Elvis’ little known fascination with the occult, spirituality and a quest for higher consciousness with Miguel Connor, author of ‘The Occult Elvis: The Mystical and Magical Life of the King.’It's been a busy week for the new Catholic Archbishop of Liverpool. Installed on Tuesday, his first mass was overshadowed by violence at the victory parade in the city which saw 79 people injured by a car driven into the crowd at high speed. And now, John Sherrington has another job on his hands: deciding the future of an historic church in Lancashire, one with links to the martyr St Edmund Arrowsmith, executed for his faith in 1628. Parishioners like Bren Cook at Brindle St Joseph's were shocked to hear their building would be closed and the congregation dispersed to neighbouring churches after their priest was recalled to Ampleforth Abbey in North Yorkshire- the Sunday programme also hears from Liam Kelly the company secretary of the trust.Presenter: Edward Stourton
Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Linda Walker
Studio Managers: Jack Morris & Chris Hardman
Editor: Tim Pemberton
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42:35
Gaza Aid; Pope Diplomacy; Faith on TikTok
Humanitarian aid is now reaching Gaza, although the required levels remain a point of dispute between the Israeli Government and aid agencies. It comes in a week when human tragedies in Gaza and Washington continue to mount. Julie Etchingham examines the key questions in a seemingly intractable conflict.The Vatican has been thrust front and centre in attempts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war. How realistic is it to hope that the papacy might achieve a breakthrough for peace where so many others have failed?And Ramblings presenter Clare Balding describes the experience of walking the iconic pilgrim route of the Camino de Santiago de Compostela (way of St James) and recommends 'pilgrimages' to others.PRESENTER - Julie Etchingham
PRODUCERS - Bara'atu Ibrahim and Linda Walker
PRODUCTION COORDINATOR - Kim Agostino
STUDIO MANAGERS - Kelly Young and Sam Mills
EDITOR - Tim Pemberton
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