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Religion & Ethics

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

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Sunday: Ramadan, Thai King, South African Elections

Ramadan, Thai King, South African Elections

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, Ramadan, Thai King, South African Elections

Religious news and current affairs programme presented by Edward Stourton.

Ramadan begins tomorrow and for the next month, Muslims will fast every day from sunrise to sunset. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam as is Zakat -  the compulsory giving of a proportion of your wealth to charity. We hear from young Muslims about the importance of giving.

Today the Pope sets off on a visit to Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia. Why is he visiting countries in which fewer than 1% are Catholic?

In January the Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt launched a review into Christian persecution around the world and how effective the Foreign Office is in supporting those affected. The review is led by the Bishop of Truro, Philip Mounstephen. He talks to Edward about his findings.

The Archbishop of Cape Town - Thabo Makgobo - discusses the South African Elections. 

The King of Thailand is crowned over a three day ceremony.  We look at the religious significance of the coronation for the country.

Sister Katrina Alton is the first 'new' sister of St Joseph of Peace for 30 years.  She tells Edward about her calling and her arrest at the Ministry of Defence after marking the walls with blessed charcoal in resistance to the preparations for nuclear war that go on there. 

Producers:
Amanda Hancox
Louise Clarke-Rowbotham

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