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Licoricia Jewish statue unveiled; Hong Kong Christians and Forgiveness

Edward Stourton takes a look at the ethical and religious issues of the week

A new statue has been created honouring a medieval Jewish businesswoman thought to have been a victim of 13th century hate crime. Licoricia of Winchester was a money lender whose wealth contributed to the building of Westminster Abbey and helped bankroll three English kings. She was murdered at a time of widespread anti-Semitism and campaigners hope a new statue in her hometown will serve as a powerful reminder of the history of prejudices that still exist today.

Hundreds of churches in the UK are preparing to welcome Christians who are moving to this country from Hong Kong. The 成人快手 Office expects as many as 300,000 to make the journey in the next year. They're making the difficult decision to leave Hong Kong after the introduction of a controversial new National Security Law, which critics say is eroding freedoms. Danny Vincent reports from Hong Kong.

Michael Gove has called for "Christian forgiveness" to be shown to anyone who shows contrition for attending Downing Street parties during lockdown. Forgiveness is central to the Christian faith, but what does it mean to forgive someone and how is our individual forgiveness affected by the nature, or indeed sincerity, of the apology? Does forgiveness require repentance? Edward Stourton explores the theology and mechanics of forgiveness with Rev George Pitcher, visiting fellow at LSE and Anglican vicar and Rabbi Debbie Young-Somers from Edgeware and Hendon Reform Synagogue

Photo Copyright - Ian Rank Broadley,

Producers:
Carmel Lonergan
Jonathan Hallewell

Editor:
Tim Pemberton

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44 minutes

Broadcast

  • Sun 6 Feb 2022 07:10

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