Homosexuality in the Catholic Clergy; Muslim Marriage and UK law; D-Day Chaplains

Sunday

As the Pope apologises for using a homophobic slur, we hear from an openly gay priest, Fr James Alison, who claims that in the Catholic Church a majority of the clergy is homosexual. We also hear the views of the Pope’s biographer, Austen Ivereigh.

Ahead of commemorations marking the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings, the historian Sarah Meyrick tells us about the men who went ashore unarmed – the D-Day chaplains.

Over 60% of Muslim women in the UK have not had their marriages legalised under UK law, leaving them vulnerable and unprotected in the event of a divorce. Solicitor and family law specialist, Aina Khan joins us to discuss a petition to reform the 1949 Marriage Act, that she says is not ‘Fit For Purpose’. Sheikh Ibrahim Mogra voices his thoughts on how much responsibility should lie with Imams like himself.

‘Birthmarked’, a play currently on tour in the UK, tells of the complexities of "disfellowship" from the Jehovah's Witnesses. Playwright and actor Brook Tate explains how going against biblical teaching – by being actively gay - forced him out. He tells us how the play has helped him to reconcile his feelings towards the family, friends and religion he left behind.

Presenter: Rima Ahmed Producers: Alexa Good and Bara’atu Ibrahim Editor: Jonathan Hallewell