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Religion & Ethics

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

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Sunday: Turkey election; Established church; St Francis of Assisi

Turkey election; Established church; St Francis of Assisi

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, Turkey election; Established church; St Francis of Assisi

Edward Stourton takes a look at some of the ethical and religious issues of the week.

The religious implications of today's presidential election in Turkey. The arguments for and against maintaining the Church of England as the established church.

Voters in Turkey go to the polls today in the country’s presidential election. The two main candidates, the incumbent President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and his challenger, Kemal Kılıçdaroğlu, have set out their visions for the nation's future. We explore the religious differences between the candidates and consider how the outcome of the election could affect life and faith in Turkey and the country's significant international role.

The Coronation of King Charles III was a spectacular display of Britishness but also a profoundly religious event.  While a number of faiths played a small role, it was overwhelmingly an Anglican ceremony and a powerful statement of the Church of England's central place within the state.  But as ever smaller numbers of people go to Anglican services, and the nation's religious life becomes more diverse, does it still have a legitimate right to remain as England's established church?  We hear the arguments on both sides.

St Francis of Assisi is the Pope's favourite saint. It's why he took the name Francis, and it's why his papacy has placed such a strong emphasis on care for the natural world and a commitment to the poor. Born at the end of the 12th century, St Francis, who renounced his wealth to form a humble order of friars, has been a compelling subject for artists throughout the centuries. Now, the National Gallery in London is hosting the first major UK art exhibition to explore his life and legacy. 

Producer:   Jonathan Hallewell
Presenter:   Edward Stourton
Editor:     Tim Pemberton

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