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The Pope's envoy to Ukraine; The Point of Prayer; Shorter organists' battle for adjustable benches

A look at the ethical and religious issues of the week with William Crawley.

The Vatican lead on refugees and migrants, Cardinal Michael Czerny, tells us why Pope Francis sent him to Hungary and Ukraine to meet people fleeing war. Presenter William Crawley asks why why the Pope has not denounced the Russian President Vladimir Putin. And Vatican analyst Christopher Lamb gives an insight into the faith diplomacy going on behind the scenes.

While faith leaders around the world have called for prayers of peace in Ukraine, some will wonder - what is the point of prayer in times like these? We finds out how prayer has been used in previous conflicts as William seeks answers with Canon Professor Michael Snape, an Historian of Christianity and Conflict at Durham University and Ecumenical Lay Canon at Durham Cathedral.

As the Government lay out its plans to help refugees from Ukraine come to the UK, we hear from some of those responding to a plea from Rabbi Dr Jonathan Romaine MBE, from the Maidenhead Synagogue in Berkshire, to offer a 'Ukraine transport' and open their homes to provide sanctuary for those fleeing from the conflict. And William asks the Rt. Rev Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham, whether the Government plans go far enough.

And how do you play a church organ when your feet don't reach the pedals? The Society of Women Organists wants churches to fit adjustable benches to make playing the organ more accessible for women, children and shorter men. Organist Marion Lees-McPherson, from Stockbridge Parish Church in Edinburgh, shows William the perils of perching on a stool that is just too high.

Producers: Jill Collins and Louise Clarke-Rowbotham
Editor: Helen Grady

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44 minutes

Broadcast

  • Sun 13 Mar 2022 07:10

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