Sunday

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Religion & Ethics

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

BBC Radio 4 FM

Sunday: Jesus Rock; The Morality of Striking; Clemency for Prisoners

18/12/2022

Jesus Rock; The Morality of Striking; Clemency for Prisoners

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, Jesus Rock; The Morality of Striking; Clemency for Prisoners

Emily Buchanan with a look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

The morality of striking. The case for offering clemency to people in prison. The Shoes Brothers - an unlikely clerical pop duo.

What is the case for offering clemency to people in jail?   This week, the Pope called on world leaders to make a gesture of clemency to prisoners in the run up to Christmas.  For some, it represents an opportunity for healing for both the perpetrator and the victim, but for others it is a step too far.  Why shouldn't prisoners simply serve their full sentence?   We discuss the issue with former cabinet minister and ex-prisoner, the Rev Jonathan Aitken and former prison governor Brendan O’Friel. 

The UK is facing a wave of strikes, including action by "key workers" such as nurses and ambulance drivers.  What is the moral and religious basis for the "right to strike" and what are its limits, if it seriously disrupts the lives and welfare of others?

In a week when the reality of people seeking asylum led to tragic consequences and the Government announced new measures to stop illegal Channel crossings, we speak to Lord Carlile, who is leading an independent commission, exploring ways of improving the current asylum system. 

As the battle for the Christmas Number One heats up, we speak to the unlikely duo of a Church of Scotland minister Rev Neil Urquhart and Roman Catholic Priest, Father Willie Boyd, aka The Shoes Brothers, about their newly released single ‘Jesus Rock’ and why they hope it will bring communities together. 

Producer: Jonathan Hallewell
Presenter: Emily Buchanan
Editor: Helen Grady

(Image courtesy of Limelight Media).

BBC Radio 4

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

Accessibility links

Programme Index

Sunday

Jesus Rock; The Morality of Striking; Clemency for Prisoners

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4