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20/05/2012

Sunday morning religious news and current affairs programme, presented by Edward Stourton.

Caroline Spelman the Secretary of State talks to us ahead of Rio+20 , next week she is due to meet NGO's about their concerns, Edward will ask her what has been achieved and what needs to be done.

As the Leveson Inquiry continues, the newspaper industry being the latest area of public life to be rocked by a moral crisis, a new centre at Birmingham University has launched dedicated to the renewal of character and values in Britain. Research from the university suggests that there has been an erosion of the language, both religious and secular, of character. Is this what's ailing Britain and what should we do about it?

May is the Month of Mary - traditionally wild flowers were used to decorate her statues, in the past 30 years we have lost a high percentage of our wildflower habitats. Mary Colwell reports.

The UN say that more than half the population of South Sudan are facing food shortages due to the continuing conflict with Sudan. Bishop Macram Max Gassis whose diocese straddles the disputed border between North and South Sudan is visiting the UK this week and updates Edward on the crisis.

The threat of persecution to Christians is growing around the world. This week a rally was held at Westminster Cathedral to highlight the plight of Christians in Pakistan and Egypt. Trevor Barnes reports.

From a 'Praise Bus', to a 'Prayer Relay', to thousands of free Cream Teas - the Bishop of Truro explains why churches are so excited about the start of the Olympics Torch Relay in Cornwall this weekend.

On average, every day-and-a-half, an American soldier dies on the battlefield. But back home, veterans are taking their OWN lives at the astonishing rate of one every eighty minutes. With thousands more active service troops due to come home soon, veterans' families and support groups are wondering how the military's suicide epidemic can really be controlled. Matt Wells reports from Connecticut.

A petition signed by more than 2,200 Anglican women who oppose women bishops will be
presented on Monday to the House of Bishops at the start of their meeting in York. We debate the issue.

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45 minutes

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Sun 20 May 2012 07:10

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  • Sun 20 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