As coronavirus crisis unfolds, with its confusion and heartbreak, John McCarthy brings together reflections from people around the world. In this programme he hears stories of compassion. Most religions teach that compassion is what allows us to understand the suffering of others, but you need no faith to give or receive it. Compassion nurtures kindness and charity, both sorely needed now.

We hear from Bernard Gabbott, an Anglican minister in rural Australia. His community has suffered years of drought. The rains have only recently arrived. And now they face further hardship as farm machinery and seeds coming from China are delayed due to the virus. How does he balance compassion for his community with the needs of his young family?

The Sudan-raised novelist Leila Aboulela thought she would spend Ramadan this year with her mother and she looked forward particularly to the joy of breaking their fast together. Now her mother is instead completely isolated in Cairo.

Kindness to others might be at the heart of all faiths, but it is not always practised. How can faith guide the conversations that need to be had with families as we all face the prospect of illness? Are there words to ease the fear of not being able to say goodbye intimately to a loved one? How do we show compassion to children or young people who see this as injustice and maybe even a sign that God has abandoned them?
As we face the prospect of a long period of lockdown, could nurturing compassion mean the world emerges as a kinder place?

Presenter: John McCarthy
Producer: Olive Clancy Show less