The Religion and Ethics Report - Separate stories podcast

As the regime in Iran fell, a handful of Shia Muslim communities in Australia went into mourning for the Ayatollah, drawing criticism from New South Wales premier Chris Minns. Khamenei was a brutal autocrat, but he was also a spiritual leader to many Shi’ites. Is it the role of the state to decide who a religious community can mourn?  GuestDr Renae Barker Senior Lecturer, UWA Law School 

As Australia begins its royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, new research by the Pew Centre shows we’re one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world. There’s no longer a majority religion, meaning many faiths have found a place. It’s a finding that might surprise those who expected that much bigger countries, such as the United States or India, might claim the title. Yunping Tong was a senior researcher on the Pew team.GUEST: Yunping Tong is a senior researcher at the Pew Research Center in Washington DC

As Australia begins its royal commission into antisemitism and social cohesion, new research by the Pew Centre shows we’re one of the most religiously diverse countries in the world. There’s no longer a majority religion, meaning many faiths have found a place. It’s a finding that might surprise those who expected that much bigger countries, such as the United States or India, might claim the title. Yunping Tong was a senior researcher on the Pew team.When, and why, does criticism of Israel often descend into antisemitic tropes? How do you build a free Palestine and a secure, truly democratic Israel? Guardian columnist Jonathon Freedland has spent a quarter of century making the case for Jewish and Palestinian partnership. He’s also the author of a new book about resisters in Nazi Germany, titled The Traitors’ Circle. He’s in Australia with The Jewish Independent and the New Israel Fund.GUESTS:Yunping Tong is a senior researcher at the Pew Research Center in Washington DCJonathon Freedland is a Guardian columnist and former foreign correspondent

When, and why, does criticism of Israel often descend into antisemitic tropes? How do you build a free Palestine and a secure, truly democratic Israel? Guardian columnist Jonathon Freedland has spent a quarter of century making the case for Jewish and Palestinian partnership. He’s also the author of a new book about resisters in Nazi Germany, titled The Traitors’ Circle. Jonathon's in Australia with The Jewish Independent and the New Israel Fund.GUEST:Jonathon Freedland is a Guardian columnist and former foreign correspondent

Buried in the latest tranche of documents about the late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein is an extraordinary exchange of emails. They involve Epstein and the one-time adviser to Donald Trump, Steve Bannon. They discuss a plot to bring down the late Pope Francis. Bannon had long disliked Francis, but these emails suggest a deepening conspiracy. Claire Giangrave has been studying the emails. Professor  Anthea Butler, civil rights historian and theologian, discusses the life and ministry of the Rev, Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who has died, aged 83.It was a revolution where barely a shot was fired. Nuns armed with rosary beads helped lead millions of Filipinos in peaceful demonstrations that, 40 years ago this week, brought down the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Ringing in the ears of the people was the voice of a soft-spoken archbishop who urged them to topple a corrupt and increasingly brutal regime. Just how critical was Cardinal Jaime Sin and the Catholic Church to the People Power revolution? Filipino historian Dr Jethro Calacday is currently with Cambridge University.GUESTS:Claire Giangrave, Rome-based reporter for RNS, covering the Catholic Church and the Vatican.Prof Anthea Butler, civil rights historian and theologian from the University of PennsylvaniaDr Jethro Talacday, Filippino historian currently at Cambridge University

It was a revolution where barely a shot was fired. Nuns armed with rosary beads helped lead millions of Filipinos in peaceful demonstrations that, 40 years ago this week, brought down the dictator Ferdinand Marcos. Ringing in the ears of the people was the voice of a soft-spoken archbishop who urged them to topple a corrupt and increasingly brutal regime. Just how critical was Cardinal Jaime Sin and the Catholic Church to the People Power revolution? Filipino historian Dr Jethro Calacday is currently with Cambridge University.GUEST:Dr Jethro Calacday, Filipino historian currently at Cambridge University

Professor Anthea Butler discusses the life and ministry of the Rev, Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who has died, aged 83.GUEST:Prof Anthea Butler is a civil rights historian and theologian from the University of Pennsylvania, 

Newly released files from the US Department of Justice suggest that Steve Bannon, a former White House adviser to US President Donald Trump, discussed strategies with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein against Pope Francis, with Bannon saying he hoped to “take down” the pontiff.

Australia has played host to Israeli President Isaac Herzog this week. Herzog addressed a gathering in Sydney this week that included the Prime Minister.Meanwhile, outside a large demonstration against his visit became violent with multiple arrests and accusations of police brutality.Was this visit a good idea? Would it provide the Jewish community with a sense of security? Or ignite the already febrile political atmosphere?GUESTS:Josh Bornstein is a prominent lawyer, free speech advocate and Jewish Australian. He argues the visit to Australia by Israel’s president, Isaac Herzog, has deepened divisions in Australia over the Gaza war. Meanwhile, Jeremy Leibler, also a lawyer and president of the Zionist Council of Australia, says the Herzog visit comes after Australia’s worst terrorist attack, motivated by anti-Semitic hatred and brings comfort to a grieving Jewish community.

Australia has played host to Israeli President Isaac Herzog this week. Herzog addressed a gathering in Sydney this week that included the Prime Minister.Meanwhile, outside a large demonstration against his visit became violent with multiple arrests and accusations of police brutality.Was this visit a good idea? Would it provide the Jewish community with a sense of security? Or ignite the already febrile political atmosphere?On the ABC Religion & Ethics website, two prominent lawyers have been jousting over the issue. We’re bringing that exchange to the airwaves.GUEST:Jeremy Leibler, also a lawyer and president of the Zionist Council of Australia, says the Herzog visit comes after Australia’s worst terrorist attack, motivated by anti-Semitic hatred and brings comfort to a grieving Jewish community.