Clergy nursing home closure, The ethics and effectiveness of foreign aid and The Knights of Malta

Sunday

Plans by the Church of England to shut a flagship care home for retired clergy could split up elderly couples when part of it closes in the spring. The church's Pensions Board blames a difficulty in recruiting and retaining trained nursing staff. Trevor Barnes meets the residents who are campaigning to stop Manormead Nursing Home closing.

William Crawley discusses the ethics and effectiveness of foreign aid with guests Jonathan Foreman Senior research fellow at Civitas, David Hulme, Executive Director, Global Development Institute and Kevin Watkins, Save the Children CEO.

Pope Francis has appointed a commission to investigate the recent removal of a top Knights of Malta official who allegedly oversaw the distribution of condoms in the developing world. Christopher Lamb from The Tablet has been investigating.

In the wake of Jill Saward's death, theologian Elaine Storkey asks whether Churches can build a movement to liberate the country from the scourge of violence against women.

India's top court has banned religion and caste from election campaigns. William Crawley asks Rahul Tandon about how and if will work?

A number of women are thought to be being considered to replace the Right Rev Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London. Ruth Gledhill, Contributory Editor of Christian Today takes a look at the runners and riders.

The British Museum recently acquired a remarkable artifact that brings to life the religious world that would have been familiar to church goers centuries ago - a fourteenth century alabaster statue of the Virgin and Child. Edward Stourton went along to have a look.

Producers Carmel Lonergan Rosie Dawson

Editor Christine Morgan.