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Religion & Ethics

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

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Sunday: Warm spaces; Iranian protest; Christians in Qatar; Lords reform.

11/12/2022

Warm spaces; Iranian protest; Christians in Qatar; Lords reform.

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, Warm spaces; Iranian protest; Christians in Qatar; Lords reform.

William Crawley takes a look at the ethical and religious issues of the week.

As the UK faces severe weather warnings, there are still predictions that one in four people will not be able to afford their heating bills this year. More than 4,500 religious and community organisations have signed up to the Warm Welcome campaign, offering free, safe, warm spaces for the public. Yesterday Edge Ministries, one of those organisations, held a free Christmas fair and we hear from the organisers.

In Iran, the first execution of a demonstrator has taken place. Mohsen Shekari was found guilty by a Revolutionary Court of "enmity against God", according to state media, and then hanged. Activists have described the proceedings as a "show trial without any due process". Protestors against the Iranian regime have been demonstrating since September after the death of Mahsa Amini, the 22-year-old woman who was held in custody by morality police for allegedly wearing her hijab - or headscarf - "improperly". But there's also now uncertainty over the status of this force, which enforces its dress code, after a senior official suggested that it had been disbanded

If you've suffered a bereavement, Christmas can be a particularly difficult time of year. But a signposting charity is training hundreds of churches across the UK to offer support courses. AtaLoss, which was set up by Yvonne Tulloch when she lost her husband, has devised The Bereavement Journey course. We hear from Yvonne, and a trainer and a participant on a course in Southport in Merseyside, and get some advice on how to help the bereaved at this time of year. 

And we're following our exploration of the emotional power of your favourite carols. You may think you know the carol "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night", but think again ! We explore the countless different versions with the folk singer Kate Rusby.

Presented by William Crawley.
Produced by Julia Paul and Louise Clarke-Rowbotham.
Editor: Helen Grady

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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Warm spaces; Iranian protest; Christians in Qatar; Lords reform.

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