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05/02/2012

Edward Stourton with the religious and ethical news of the week. Moral arguments and perspectives on stories familiar and unfamiliar.

As Catholic bishops gather in Rome for a global conference on child abuse, we ask what they hope to achieve. The Tablet's Vatican correspondent Robert Mickens joins us live.

Philippa Lei from World Vision gives us an exclusive preview of their child exploitation report which will be launched next week, and asks what is the UK doing to combat the global trade in children.

Trevor Barnes investigates New Monasticism and finds that the way of life championed by St Benedict 1500 years ago is being adapted for the 21st century by many groups across the country.

Iran is celebrating the anniversary of the Islamic revolution amidst mounting tensions over its nuclear programme. Edward speaks to Professor Ali Ansari about the spiritual and political state of the country.

The job advert for Chief Rabbi of the United Synagogues appeared in newspapers this weekend.The Times Religious Correspondent Ruth Gledhill tells us about the tensions within British Judaism and who's on the shortlist.

A teenage atheist, who fought and won a court case to remove a prayer from the wall of her American high school, has been back in the classroom this week, under police protection. Matt Wells reports from Rhode Island.

Dickens and Religion. Ahead of the 200th Anniversary of his birth, Edward speaks to Dr Leon Litvack about Charles Dickens strong personal faith and his disdain for the institutional church and clergy.

Over one hundred clergy in the London diocese have signed a letter demanding the right to hold civil partnership ceremonies in church. On the eve of Synod Edward ponders the latest developments with the Bishop of Salisbury, who now supports gay marriage, and the Bishop of Willesden Pete Broadbent.

Series Producer: Amanda Hancox.

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45 minutes

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Sun 5 Feb 2012 07:10

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  • Sun 5 Feb 2012 07:10

All the colours of the rainbow

All the colours of the rainbow

The Covid-19 rainbows painted by children today are part of a rich and ancient symbolism.

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