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A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

Sunday: What is Prayer, Down's syndrome testing, the Singh Twins

What is Prayer, Down syndrome testing, the Singh Twins

21/01/2018

What is Prayer, Down's syndrome testing, the Singh Twins

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, What is Prayer, Down's syndrome testing, the Singh Twins

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

Research by Tearfund says half of adults in the UK pray. Half of those who pray agree God hears their prayers. Graham Nicholls and Mark Vernon debate the meaning of prayer.

A new exhibition by The Singh Twins has just opened at the Walker Gallery in Liverpool exploring the history of Indian textiles and challenges the history of empire and its relevance on lifestyles in the West today. 

Matthew Kalman, Middle East Correspondent for Bloomberg, explains why the Knesset in Israel has voted to close shops over Shabbat.

Footballer Cyrille Regis passed away this week. He was a trustee of Christians in Sport and a campaigner against racism in football. Graham Daniels from Christians in Sport tells Edward about Cyrille Regis' faith and passion for the beautiful game. 

Research by Tearfund says half of adults in the UK pray. But if you are not praying to God can it really be called a prayer? Graham Nicholls, Director of Affinity and Mark Vernon a psychotherapist debate the meaning of prayer.

Harry Farley with an update on what will be coming up in General Synod this February. One of the motions to be put forward for debate at Synod is on Down's Syndrome. Kevin Bocquet reports on the Church's concern that the new Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT)to be rolled out this year across the NHS in England and Wales could lead to a decline in the number of live Down's syndrome births..

HM Inspectorate of Prisons has published a report on Liverpool prison highlighting safety concerns. Earlier in the week an Urgent Notification was issued for Nottingham prison which gives the Secretary of State for Justice 28 days to respond. Edward asks former prison chaplain Reverend Sharon Grenham-Thompson and the Bishop to Prisons James Langstaff for their reactions. 


Producers
Carmel Lonergan
Louise Clarke-Rowbotham

Editor
Amanda Hancox

Photo Credit: Pete Carr for the Walker Gallery.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

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