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The history of 'defrocking' and the story behind a 400-year-old missal

Emily Buchanan travels to Wolverhampton to see a 400-year-old prayer book bought by the National Trust, and hears about its owner who saved the life of a king on the run.

Emily Buchanan travels to Moseley Old Hall in Wolverhampton to hear about a 400 year-old missal recently bought by the National Trust that belonged to a Catholic priest who saved the life of King Charles II

'Water cremation’ will be available as a funeral option in Britain later this year. It’s said to be an environmentally friendly approach to disintegrating human remains – but is it appropriate for Christians and other believers in the afterlife?

This week the Church of England Synod will be invited to approve the reintroduction of β€˜defrocking’ as the most severe punishment it can impose on members of the priesthood. But what exactly is β€˜defrocking’? Historian of the Anglican clergy, Reverend Fergus Butler-Gallie, explains.

And the man who passed on a call from Boris Johnson to answer a call from the Holy Spirit... John Casson took up a role at L'Arche UK during a troubled time for the Christian organisation. He reflects on what working with people with learning disabilities has taught him about leadership.

Producers: Catherine Murray and Peter Everett.

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44 minutes

Broadcast

  • Sun 9 Jul 2023 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