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Sunday: Violence in the Middle East

14/06/2020

Violence in the Middle East

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, Violence in the Middle East

The latest reports from Israel following a wave of surprise Palestinian attacks.
The Roman Catholic Synod.
French Muslim athletes banned from wearing the hijab.

We report the latest from Israel after a wave of surprise Palestinian attacks. Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, will pay "an unprecedented price" for their offensive across the border. Thousands of rockets were fired from Gaza, with gunmen entering Israel across land and sea.  Israeli fighter jets have been striking Gaza in retaliation.   

It's a momentous week in Rome where the Catholic Synod is taking place for the first time with laymen and women.  Seventy of them will have a vote as they consider topics including LGBTQ Catholics and the role of women in the church. It's inspiring hope in those who see an opportunity for change and anger in others.  Could it lead to a schism in the church?  We hear from two Catholic commentators, theologian Tina Beattie and journalist Edward Pentin. 

France has banned its athletes from wearing the Muslim hijab headdress at next year's Olympic games in Paris.  The Sports Minister Amelie Oudea-Castera says the ban will ensure ‘absolute neutrality’ at the games, a stance rooted in a principle of French law known as laïcité, which legally prohibits state recognition of any religion.  Some have protested that it's a restriction on freedom of expression.  We hear the arguments on both sides.

A new report highlights a culture of elitism within the Church of England and how working class clergy are left feeling marginalised, ignored and misunderstood. Bishop of Barking, the Rev Lynne Cullens, who's from a working class background herself, tells us how the report could help the church to address its problem with class.

Presenter:   William Crawley
Producers:    Jonathan Hallewell and Louise Clarke
Editor:    Tim Pemberton
Studio Managers:  Colin Sutton and Phil Booth

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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