Sunday - 21/11/2010

Edward Stourton with the religious and ethical news of the week. Moral arguments and perspectives on stories, familiar and unfamiliar. More than one hundred cardinals this week-end attended a one day summit on child abuse at the Vatican, the first time the Pope has summoned them en masse to discuss the scandal. Edward speaks to our Rome Correspondent David Willey about the significance of the meeting. This weekend a NATO summit in Lisbon has been discussing the future of Afghanistan. A number of Aid agencies and think tanks have released a report calling for more peace efforts, including talks with the Taliban. Professor Paul Rogers from Bradford University will give us his analysis. The new Church of England Synod will meet next week to discuss the controversial Anglican Convent and also, what role the church can play in the government's Big Society. Ed Speaks to The Times Religion Correspondent Ruth Gledhill. 25 years ago a Baptist minister started a homeless shelter in central London. Today Oasis Trust is at the heart of the Big Society, running a range of projects including a number of academies. Trevor Barnes reports. Auckland Castle has been the historic seat of the Bishops of Durham for 800 years. But will the palace and its historic artwork be sold of by the church commissioners. Ed will be talking to Andreas Whittam Smith about their plans. England's Catholic Bishops have been meeting this week to discuss how to receive disaffected Anglicans into communion. Ed will get the details on the new Ordinariate from Bishop Alan Hopes. One year on since devastating flooding a vigil is being held on Saturday in Cumbria to remember the victims of the floods, the victims of gunman Derrick Bird and also those who died in the Keswick bus crash. Kevin Bocquet reports on how people are rebuilding lives and businesses after the triple tragedy. Sunday marks the start of Interfaith week. Ed will be speaking to Communities and Local Government Minister Andrew Stunell. He will be explaining how the government plan to engage with faith communities and what part they will play in the Big Society. E-mail: [email protected] Series producer: Amanda Hancox.