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13/05/2012

Sunday morning religious news and current affairs programme, presented by Samira Ahmed.

In the aftermath of the recent Grooming case Kevin Bocquet reports from Rochdale on how the story has been received by the Muslim community in the area.

Gay Marriage takes centre stage in the US this week as Barrack Obama becomes the first sitting US President to support it. Samira speaks to Jane Little in Washington about how voters will react.

The First Holy Communion season is at its height in Ireland but even here austerity is having an effect as the government grant to help defray the costs has been cut in half. Ruth McDonald reports from Dublin on the impact on this important spiritual milestone within the Catholic Church.

How much do you spend a day on food and drink? The Bishop of Oxford John Pritchard has risen to the challenge of spending only a £1 a day, in order to highlight a campaign designed to raise awareness and money for those who struggle to feed themselves and their families around the world. He shares his experience in his audio diary of the week.

As thousands of protesters opposed to the inauguration of Putin clashed with police in Moscow last Sunday, the president received a special post-inauguration blessing from the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. Samira explores the relationship between Church and state in Russia with correspondent Peter van Dyk in Moscow.

Is death the last great taboo? Ahead of Dying Matters Awareness Week, Samira is joined by Baroness Julia Neuberger and hospital chaplain and Methodist Minister Kathleen LaCamera, to discuss attitudes to dying, death and bereavement.

And why is Exeter Cathedral using a game console during their service this week? "Geekdad" Andy Robertson talks to Samira.

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45 minutes

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Sun 13 May 2012 07:10

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  • Sun 13 May 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.

Podcast