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Religion & Ethics

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

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Sunday: Asylum conversions, Jaz from Traitors on Sikhism, Siobhan McSweeney on St Brigid

Asylum conversions, Jaz from Traitors on Sikhism, Siobhan McSweeney on St Brigid

BBC Radio 4 - Sunday, Asylum conversions, Jaz from Traitors on Sikhism, Siobhan McSweeney on St Brigid

Asylum seeker conversions, Jaz from Traitors on being a British Sikh on TV, and actor Siobhan McSweeney and historian Dr Mary Condren on 1500 years of St Brigid.

The issue of converting asylum seekers to Christianity has been in the headlines this week with accusations that some clergy are naive or too eager to help asylum seekers stay in the country. We talk to a Baptist elder with experience of converting and helping asylum seekers.

Jaz from Traitors won the respect of TV audiences with the way he played the gameshow, but he revealed it was his Sikh faith that guided him through the show and helped him be a true Faithful. 

The film Samsara – which has just reached our cinemas – has attracted some great reviews despite the fact that you are encouraged to watch part of it with your eyes closed. It tells the story of the journey of the soul of an elderly woman in Laos to its reincarnation as goat in Zanzibar. Edward speaks to director Lois Patino and Dechen Pemba from the Tibetan Film Festival who went to see it on our behalf.

There was another bust up over same sex blessings in the Church of England this week. A Bishop resigned from the process, and 130 people wrote a letter in protest at what they believe are delays to a trial to test out separate services of blessing. Edward talks to Professor Helen King and Dr Ian Paul, both members of General Synod and hears from a couple waiting for their special day in church.

A year of celebrations to mark 1500 years since the death of St Brigid are underway in Ireland. Edward talks to Derry Girls actress Siobhan McSweeney and historian Dr Mary Condren about why she's a feminist saint fit for the 21st century.

PRESENTER: EDWARD STOURTON
PRODUCERS: CATHERINE MURRAY & JAMES LEESLEY
EDITOR:TIM PEMBERTON

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Asylum conversions, Jaz from Traitors on Sikhism, Siobhan McSweeney on St Brigid

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