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Sunday: Coronation composer, Shamanism in the UK, Toy ducks in the baptismal font

14/06/2020

Coronation composer, Shamanism in the UK, Toy ducks in the baptismal font

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, Coronation composer, Shamanism in the UK, Toy ducks in the baptismal font

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with William Crawley.

Roxanna Panufnik is one of 12 composers asked by the King to write an original work for the Coronation. In doing so, she follows in the footsteps of the likes of Purcell, Handel, Parry and Elgar. She tells William Crawley about her choral setting of the ‘Sanctus’, based on a text from the 1662 Book of Common Prayer.

The last census revealed a sharp increase in the number of British people who claim to follow Shamanism. This has prompted concerns from experienced practitioners that their ancient beliefs are being appropriated by those whose motives are not purely spiritual. Amber Haque has been to Glastonbury to find out more about the practice of Shamanism in the UK.

It's being called “duckgate”. One vicar caused a storm on Twitter after posting a picture of a toy rubber duck in the font when she was baptising a baby. The Reverend Lex Bradley-Stow wanted to make the child feel at ease, while traditionalists have responded by saying it trivialises the sacrament. Let us know your thoughts by emailing Sunday@bbc.co.uk, or Tweeting us @BBCR4Sunday.  

Presenter: William Crawley
Producers: Dan Tierney and Bara'atu Ibrahim
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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Coronation composer, Shamanism in the UK, Toy ducks in the baptismal font

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