Sunday - 14/11/2010

Jane Little with the religious and ethical news of the week. Moral arguments and perspectives on stories, familiar and unfamiliar. Seventy years ago today the City of Coventry was destroyed by one of the most devastating bombing raids of World War II. The ruins of Coventry Cathedral became the defining image of the Blitz. For Remembrance Sunday, our Reporter Trevor Barnes reports from the Cathedral on how the community continues to spread the important message of reconciliation. This month Muslims from around the world will be making their way to Mecca for the Hajj. It's the religious pilgrimage that every Muslim must strive to undertake at least once in their lifetime. But just how accessible is it for those with disabilities. Sana Viner who is blind has already made the lesser pilgrimage known as the Umrah and has been inspired to complete her spiritual journey. Sheikh Abdal Aziz organises Pilgrimages for those like Sana who have disabilities. They talk to Jane about the practical issues and spiritual rewards of the Hajj. They may be a protected species but Bats can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage to the fabric of our Rural Churches. Reverend Nigel Cooper, Chair of the Church Building Councils Bat working group offers advice and help to those congregations who have to share their Churches with these creatures of the night. Whilst an order of Swiss Capuchin Monks have had to resort to placing adverts in magazines to try and recruit new members, here in England the numbers entering seminaries to become Catholic priests has reached its highest level in a decade. According to the National Office for Vocation, fifty-six men began their journey towards the priesthood this year. Its Director, Father Christopher Jamison explains why he thinks there is this renewed interest in the Church. And is the Government's White Paper on Welfare Reform an opportunity for us to re-discover our work ethic? The Bishop of Leicester Tim Stevens and Phillip Blond, Director and Founder of the Public Policy think-tank ResPublica debate the pros and cons of the Governments Welfare reforms. E-mail: [email protected] Series producer: Amanda Hancox.