Sunday

The true story of a Catholic, Austrian peasant farmer, who refused to pledge allegiance to Hitler but was let down by the Church is the subject of the film, A Hidden Life, out in cinemas this week. Bishop John Sherrington joins Sunday to discuss whether the film sheds new light on the relationship between the Catholic Church and the Nazis. This week came news that researchers in the US have created the first living machines by assembling cells from African clawed frogs into tiny robots that move around under their own steam. To discuss the possible ethical implications of this William Crawley is joined by Rev Dr Malcolm Brown, Director of Mission and Public Affairs for the Church of England, and Dr Yaqub Chaudhary, Research fellow in Experimental Science at The Cambridge Muslim College. And Sunday's David Cook reports on allegations of bullying at a flagship London synagogue. Producers: Catherine Earlam Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

Edward Stourton with the week's religious and ethical news.

Farah Jarral looks at the spirituality of the Bee. Long before we understood the ecological importance of the bee, it was already a precious symbol for many faiths and communities for centuries. Against a back drop of horrendous fires and floods engulfing the parts of the world, Celebration Earth is being launched. It’s an invitation to community groups, faith groups and large organisations to come together to celebrate the earth and help combat Climate change. Emily Buchanan discusses this new initiative with the conservationist Martin Palmer; Dr Chetna Kang, psychiatrist and Hindu priest and Munadiah Aftab, climate change campaigner for Islamic Relief UK. Also legal expert Joshua Rozenberg looks at the implications of a landmark employment tribunal case which this week has ruled that ethical veganism is a philosophical belief and ethical vegans should be entitled to similar legal protections in the workplace as those who hold religious beliefs. Producers Carmel Lonergan Catherine Earlam Editor Amanda Hancox

In the autumn of 1620, 102 passengers set sail from England aboard the Mayflower. Many of those sailing were Puritans, looking for the freedom to practice their religious ideas. Others wanted a fresh start in the New World. The treacherous journey took 66 days and as the Pilgrims established their new colony they battled harsh winters, disease and internal dissent. As the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s journey is about to be commemorated, Emily Buchanan explores the Pilgrim’s journey, their relationship with Native Americans and discovers how their political and religious beliefs helped shape modern America. Producers: David Cook Dan Tierney Series Producer: Amanda Hancox

As we approach Christmas, Emily Buchanan has been to Bethlehem to speak to the Christian community living there. The new Archbishop of York, Rt Rev Stephen Cotterell joins Edward Stourton live to to talk about his plans for his new role. Sue Peart was the Editor of the Mail on Sunday YOU magazine but in 2018 she stepped down from her post and a few months later her mother passed away. Struggling to cope, Sue kept the Samaritans number by her bedside “just in case”. When her life got back on track she decided to volunteer for Samaritans. She talks about the challenges of manning their phones at Christmas. For 37 years, Sir Stephen Cleobury was musical director of one of the world’s most famous choirs - King’s College, Cambridge. He died recently and the Sunday programme pays tribute to his work. Producers: Rajeev Gupta Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Editor: Amanda Hancox