Sunday Folgen

Elvis Presley was many things to many people, but few see him as a religious figure. He recorded several songs with religious themes, including Amazing Grace and How Great Thou Art, but rarely spoke publicly about his beliefs. Now, his step-brother, Billy Stanley has co-written a book, The Faith of Elvis, telling the story of the singer's interest in religion and in particular his love of the Bible. He shares his personal memories of Elvis, and how his songs were often inspired by his Christian faith. About 10% of British Muslims are black and some have experienced racism from other Muslims. The Muslim Council of Britain has acknowledged that as a "minority within a minority" they have often been marginalised, even within Muslim communities. They have just published a report examining what life is like for black British Muslims. It brings together around 40 essays from Black, African and Afro-Caribbean Muslims in the UK. We ask what needs to change to allow black Muslims to be more widely embraced and their contribution recognised in the UK. The tradition of music making in Britain's cathedrals goes back centuries. Today, the choral music produced at many cathedrals is of the highest quality. But a report from the Cathedral Music Trust suggests it is facing a crisis. In recent times, two UK cathedrals have dissolved their choirs. Others are facing severe financial pressures. The Trust suggests that churches should invest in music as a core part of the service they provide to the community. But is it reasonable to expect churches to prioritise supporting music, when there are so many other demands on their funds? Producers: Jonathan Hallewell and Louise Clarke-Rowbotham Presenter: William Crawley

The State Funeral of Queen Elizabeth II will be the biggest ceremonial event held in the UK in recent times. It will be the first state funeral since that of Winston Churchill in 1965. It will be attended by political leaders, royals and heads of state from across the world. We consider the history of state and royal funerals, and the extent to which they have adapted to reflect the country’s changing religious and cultural landscape. There has been a call for a spirit of "radical generosity" from the British people, to help reduce the number of deaths caused by the cost of living crisis. Is it enough to rely on the government to limit the effects of inflation, or do we all have a personal moral obligation to take action in supporting others who are struggling? In Islam, Zakat is a religious obligation for all Muslims who meet the necessary criteria to donate a certain portion of their wealth to charitable causes. We hear about the work of a foodbank run by Muslim volunteers and speak to the National Zakat Foundation about their work in supporting people in need. This year is the 150th anniversary of the birth of the great composer, Ralph Vaughan Williams. He was an enthusiastic collector of traditional English folk tunes, many of which found their way into his works. But he also turned some of them into well known hymns. Over the next few months, a group of musicians will be touring cathedrals in England and Wales with a celebration of the folk tunes he loved so much. It's called From Pub to Pulpit, and will demonstrate how folk tunes, heard in fields, workplaces and pubs, were passed down the generations, and then turned into hymns by Vaughan Williams. Producers: Jonathan Hallewell and Rosie Dawson Presenter: Edward Stourton

In this special edition of Sunday, Edward Stourton reflects on the late Queen Elizabeth II's relationship to faith, explores how she stood for continuity amid so much change and hears from leaders of some of the many religious groups that flourished as never before in the second Elizabethan era. Producers: Jill Collins and Julia Paul Editor: Dan Tierney