Sunday

Across China, unregistered house churches are facing growing pressure from the authorities as the Chinese Communist Party tightens control over religious life. The Chinese Communist Party says citizens enjoy freedom of religious belief in accordance with the law. We've a report from the BBC's Correspondent in Hong Kong, Danny Vincent. Spanish Dictator Francisco Franco died 50 years ago on the 20th of November. We explore the legacy of his system of National Catholicism and how a far right party is gaining popularity in the country today. A religious theme is finding its way into the music charts thanks to the latest album from Rosalia. The Spanish singer herself appears on the cover in the guise of a nun - part of a phenomenon which has now been defined as "nunmania". Sister Gemma Simmonds from the Congregation of Jesus gives her thoughts on the trend.PRESENTER: EDWARD STOURTON PRODUCERS: KATY BOOTH & KATY DAVIS STUDIO MANAGERS: AMY BRENNAN & BEN HOUGHTON EDITOR: CATHERINE MURRAY

It is Remembrance Sunday, and one of the First World War stories we often refer back to at this time of year is the Christmas truce between British and German soldiers. A story has now emerged of a World War Two truce during one of the bloodiest episodes of the conflict between the United States and Japan. Edward Stourton speaks to Professor Nick Megoran from Newcastle University who researched what happened.Metropolitan Hilarion was once one of the most powerful figures in the Russian Orthodox Church — effectively its foreign minister, as well as a theologian and composer. But in 2022 he was removed from office and sent to serve as the head of the Orthodox church in Hungary - there was widespread speculation he was being punished because he wouldn't endorse the invasion of Ukraine. Then last year he lost that job too, following allegations of spying, sexual misconduct, and financial abuse. He's now talked about all this in an exclusive interview with our correspondent in Budapest, Nick Thorpe. Despite a recent announcement by the RSF agreeing to a three-month humanitarian truce proposed by the Quad Mechanism (US, UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia), fighting continues, with explosions and drone attacks reported near Khartoum and Atbara. Sudan's military-led government said it would be wary of agreeing to a truce as the RSF group did not "respect" ceasefires. The Sunday programme hears the latest from BBC Correspondent Richard Kagoe, as well as the Archbishop of Sudan, Ezekiel Kondo, who has been in the UK this weekend.Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Bara'atu Ibrahim & Jay Behrouzi Editor: Dan Tierney

Reverend Lisa Coupland, an Anglican priest and reality TV participant, dives into the ethical dilemmas faced while playing The Traitors. Robbie Callis, a BBC reporter, provides gripping updates on the Cambridgeshire train stabbing incident. Bishop Cleon Grandison discusses the church's support for communities affected by Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica. The conversation also touches on the potential election of New York's first Muslim mayor, Zohran Mamdani, and how his faith shapes his political journey.

Catherine Pepinster, a noted author and commentator on religion and the monarchy, discusses the historic significance of King Charles’ prayer with Pope Leo in the Sistine Chapel. She highlights how this moment embodies ecumenism and the evolving Anglican-Catholic dialogue. Pepinster also delves into the barriers hindering full church unity, including women's ordination. Additionally, the conversation touches on the potential acceptance of visits by female Anglican leaders to the Vatican, offering intriguing insights into contemporary religious dynamics.

Anna Rowlands, St Hilda Professor of Catholic Social Thought at the University of Durham, discusses the historic meeting between King Charles and the Pope. They explore the profound significance of their joint prayers and the ecumenical implications of such a collaboration. The conversation touches on the evolving relationship between different faiths. Additionally, the controversy surrounding graffiti at Canterbury Cathedral is debated, raising questions about tradition and inclusivity in sacred spaces.

Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, discusses the role of faith in local governance and his Catholic upbringing. He emphasizes the importance of faith communities in shaping a new vision for civic engagement and rebuilding trust. The conversation touches on the recent Gaza ceasefire, as humanitarian aid mobilizes, and the profound impact of faith on individuals released from captivity. Burnham reflects on how Pope Francis inspired his views on fostering dialogue and encounter between communities.

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

Rt Rev Lord Richard Harries, former Bishop of Oxford, shares his insights on the impending appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury, emphasizing the need for theological depth and public engagement. He discusses the Archbishop's role in politics and the importance of leadership around race and same-sex relationships. Additionally, new codes in China governing clergy online raise questions about religious freedom, while the future of Saudi Arabia's Grand Mufti reflects ongoing reform pressures within the kingdom.

As the United Nations celebrates its 80th anniversary, William Crawley talks to Adrian Gallagher, Professor in Global Security about whether the UN has lived up to its founding principles.Britain's Chief Rabbi, Sir Ephraim Mirvis, has condemned the UK decision to formally recognise Palestinian statehood this week as "an historic error of foreign policy", but could this action forge a way to peace?We're used to seeing faith and religion portrayed in books and films, but now it's religion inspiring video games. The Gaming Vicar, Rev Simon Archer, explains the fascination with religion in video games.On Sunday an open letter in the Sunday Times accused the organisers of the "Unite the Kingdom" rally in central London of misusing Christianity and co-opting Christian symbols.. Pastor Rikki Doolan, who brought Tommy Robinson to faith, explains why the bible should be at the heart of British culture and decision making. We get reaction from Rt Rev Rose Hudson Wilkin and Dr Maria Power, Co editor of "The Church, the Far Right, and the Claim to Christianity" talks to William about the rise of Christian nationalism.Presenter: William Crawley Producers: Amanda Hancox and Katy Davis Studio Managers: Philip Halliwell and Ben Swift Editor: Tim Pemberton

The assassination of Charlie Kirk is being seen as a dangerous moment between left and right in US politics. Sunday explores the Christian nationalist background to the story with Professor Gordon Lynch of Edinburgh UniversityEdward speaks to Bishop Mariann Budde, the woman who memorably asked President Trump to have mercy on marginalised groups in his inaugural prayer service in Washington. Is there a generation gap in Britain's mosques? The head of the Muslim Council of Britain expresses his fears about the 'painful revolution' that could be on the cards if the divide between old and young isn't addressed. We're asking if there's a generation gap in your place of worship and what you've done to address it. Email sunday@bbc.co.uk Pope Leo turns 70 today. Has he given a birthday present to devotees of the Traditional Latin Mass? He announced that Cardinal Burke will be celebrating such a service in St Peter's Basilica in October for the first time since Pope Francis placed restrictions on the form. Edward speaks to Vatican 2 expert Massimo Faggioli from Trinity College Dublin & Catholic commentator Melanie McDonagh. PRESENTER: Edward Stourton PRODUCERS: Catherine Murray & Katy Booth EDITOR: Catherine Earlam STUDIO MANAGERS: Chris Hardman & Patrick Shaw