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Religion & Ethics

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

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Sunday: Israel-Gaza latest; C of E same sex blessings; the rights and wrongs of 'Surveillance Santa'

14/06/2020

Israel-Gaza latest; C of E same sex blessings; the rights and wrongs of 'Surveillance Santa'

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, Israel-Gaza latest; C of E same sex blessings; the rights and wrongs of 'Surveillance Santa'

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week.

Israel-Gaza latest; first official blessings same sex couples in C of E; the rights and wrongs of 'Surveillance Santa'.

Security corresponent Frank Gardner has the latest from Tel Aviv as Lord Cameron calls for a 'sustainable ceasefire' in the war between Israel and Hamas.

In the midst of the Covid inquiry and following the government’s response, last week, to the 2017 Hillsborough report, it seems public inquiries are constantly in the news.  But what is their purpose and what are the ethics of inquiry?

From today, same-sex couples in the Church of England are able to receive a blessing.  We know that private blessing services have been happening for years, below the radar, but the House of Bishops has authorised the use of a new suite of special prayers to be used as part of regular services from today.  William talks to  Rev Catherine Bond and Rev Jane Pearce  being blessed in their parish in Suffolk. 

It's been called the Vatican 'trial of the century', Crux reporter John Allen has the latest from Rome where  Cardinal Becciu , once considered a possible future Pope, has been found guilty of embezzlement and sentenced to five and a half years in jail.  After the verdict was read, the cardinal's lawyer indicated that he was likely to appeal.

Not long til Santa comes down the chimney, but is it ok for parents to frighten kids into good behaviour by saying he's watching them, or that they need to behave to be rewarded with presents?  William talks to Catholic columnist Cristina Odone and Canon Ann Easter about whether it works.

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Israel-Gaza latest; C of E same sex blessings; the rights and wrongs of 'Surveillance Santa'

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