11/07/2021

Football seems to have united England - at least temporarily. And there's a lot of faith involved both on and off the pitch. William talks to Rabbi Alex Goldberg, chair of the England Football Associations Faith Network, about the example being shown by Gareth Southgate's team and how we might keep the momentum going after Sunday's game.What does the title Reverend mean to you? A mark of respect for the office, or a contribution to an unwanted culture of deference which damages the church? Titles for the clergy such as Reverend, Most Reverend and The Venerable have been used for more than 500 years. But the Church of England now considering dropping them in favour of simple job titles. We discuss what purpose they serve with the rector who wants to get rid of them and the priest who thinks they serve a purpose. The Methodist Church has become the largest religious denomination in Britain to permit same-sex marriages, with the first marriages expected in the Autumn. William will talk about this momentous change with Jarel Robinson Brown, who resigned from Methodist ministry as he felt unwelcome. He is now an Anglican curate with radical ideas to tackle racism and homophobia in the UK.And Gospel Singer of the Year, Monique McKen, on the particular joy of congregational singing and its possible return.Picture Credit: British Future