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Roy Jenkins

The Nuclear issue

The people of the Cynon valley are still reeling from the news that Paul Bennett, a much-loved Anglican priest, had been stabbed to death at his vicarage in Trecynon. The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, who has spent a great deal of time with the family and parish community since the killing, joins Roy Jenkins to share his thoughts and reactions to the tragic events.

Also in the programme we explore some of the implications of parliament's controversial approval to replace the Trident nuclear system. At an initial estimated cost of £25b there was swift reaction from church leaders. Statements from the Methodist, Baptist and United Reformed denominations expressed deep concern and disappointment, and the Archbishop of Canterbury and the Catholic bishops had already indicated their clear opposition. "The use of nuclear weapons is unthinkable," said the head of faith and unity for the Baptist Union of Great Britain. But is it that simple? Might there be situations where such a system might provide the least worst option?

And we hear, too, about a Welshman who would most certainly have been taking a vigorous part in the current debates on defence. Henry Richard was a Congregationalist minister who became known as The Apostle of Peace. Described as "the greatest pacifist of the 19th century", he was MP for the Merthyr Boroughs for 20 years, and for 36 years was secretary of The Peace Society, playing a leading role in the organising of international conferences, yet he remains relatively little known. Later this month the United Nations Association in Wales takes one step towards remedying this with a celebration of his life and work.

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