All Things Considered

For centuries the singing of psalms has been a cornerstone of Christian worship and in Wales today psalms are sung in the splendour of great cathedrals and in the quiet devotion of Catholic monasteries. While the singing of psalms has long been cherished, in some churches and denominations psalm singing has been replaced by more modern songs and worship. But a new movement called 'Psalm Roars' is challenging that notion. Led by vicar Tim Vasby Burnie, 'Psalm Roars' aim to make psalm singing accessible to everyone, regardless of whether you have a musical background, and to encourage singing that is “enthusiastic, robust, loud, and inclusive.” Jonathan Thomas attends a 'Psalm Roar' and meets enthusiastic people learning all about psalm singing. He speaks to one of the most pre-eminent modern hymn writers of today, Keith Getty, who sets psalms to music, bringing them to contemporary audiences. Jonathan visits Llandaff Cathedral and meets Stephen Moore, Director of Music, where psalms are sung daily by the cathedral choirs. At Belmont Abbey, Abbot Brendan Thomas explains the ancient tradition of psalmody in the Benedictine Order, where psalms have been sung since its foundation in the sixth century.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, 1 in 3 people in the UK will be diagnosed with dementia in their lifetime. 55 million people worldwide. But, what is dementia, how does it affect people, and what role does faith play in a person’s journey with dementia? In this programme, presenter Delyth Liddell talks to her mother about the experience of being a full-time carer for a relative with dementia. We also visit Rhos on Sea, just outside Colwyn Bay, to meet the chaplain of Coed Craig residential and dementia care home. Samantha Hodgins talks about the GOLUD initiative, helping churches support those with dementia, and invites us to a weekly Fellowship Service she runs. Details of organisations offering information and support with dementia are available at bbc.co.uk/actionline, or you can call for free, at any time to hear recorded information on 08000 560 780.

Neurodivergency is an umbrella term that includes people with Tourette’s, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia and more. To mark ‘Neurodiversity Celebration Week’ Jonathan Thomas asks whether faith communities do enough to support people with additional needs. Pembrokeshire born artist and writer Sophie Killingley has recently been commissioned to write a book, ‘Blessed are the Neurodivergent’. She shares her experience of raising her two Autistic children, and how churches could be more welcoming to all. We visit ‘Little Cherubs’ in the Rhondda Valley, a group set up by Hannah Leyshon to support neurodiverse children and their families. We’ll hear from Methodist minister Jon Miller in Carmarthenshire, who’s found that his adult diagnosis has helped him understand how his mind works, and also to value the strengths neurodiversity can bring. We’ll ask what churches can do to be more accommodating to neurodiverse people, with advice from Anne Laure Jackson who runs a Sensory Healthy Church programme to help churches to be more inclusive. We hear from Emily Prance at St. Mark's Church in Cardiff about the changes they've made to help families with additional needs.

The Baptist Union of Wales has recently recognised a new type of minister. A 'Category 7 Minister' has a licence to pioneer. It may not be clear what a Pioneer Minister does, but there are more of them than we might think, across all the Christian denominations. For today's programme, Rosa Hunt travels to Anglesey and interviews 5 people involved in pioneering ministry. We meet the Reverend George Bearwood in Holyhead, who as well as being an Anglican vicar, has his own heavy metal radio show; Rev Deb Stammers, a Baptist minister in Holyhead, who is also a pioneer worker in the small village of Llanerchymedd; John Hay, who wrote a feasibility study about the future of Methodist churches on the Island; Hywel Meredydd, who planted a new church nearly 50 years ago in Llangefni, in a church formally pastored by Christmas Evans; and Rachel Radbourne, who leads a growing church for young families.

Later this week, on March 8, we’ll celebrate International Women’s Day. It's a time to acknowledge the achievements of women, as well as championing equality. And today, on All Things Considered, in an episode originally broadcast in 2024, we consider the way women are presented in the New Testament, their place in Jesus’s ministry and the early church. We ask whether women were silenced in the Bible and explore the extent to which we have an accurate picture of the way the culture and the church viewed women, both then and now. To discuss these issues, Jonathan Thomas speaks with: Helen Bond, Professor of Christian origins at the University of Edinburgh Dr Ros Clarke, who runs The Priscilla Programme, an online training course for women, in partnership with Church Society and Union School of Theology Arfon Jones, who worked on a translation of the Bible into colloquial Welsh and published the booklet 'Beibl ar... Ferched', 'The Bible on... Women' Dr Paula Gooder, Canon Chancellor at St Paul's Cathedral and a writer and lecturer in Biblical Studies

It’s 75 years since the publication of C.S.Lewis’s classic children’s fantasy The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. In celebration, the West End stage version is touring in UK and Ireland throughout the year – its run in Cardiff finished a week ago, and it will be back in Wales, at Llandudno, in August. In this ATC we look at the continuing appeal of this story, look at the man behind it, and explore the use of an imagined world for conveying religious truth. We also discuss Philip Pullman, JK Rowling, and others. We are joined in studio by three guests who’ve done a lot of thinking about story-telling – and written quite a bit themselves. Caleb Woodbridge, who’s based in Pontypridd, has been in publishing in a variety of roles for most of his career after focussing in children’s literature as a student. He delights in myth and legend, science fiction and fantasy, and not surprisingly he’s a Doctor Who fan. Hannah Hess, from Cardiff, has three children to keep her supplied with ideas for her writing, and to date she’s had four books published for young people, Callenlas Chronicles. And Catherine Butler is professor of English literature at Cardiff University, specialising in children's literature. She’s author of several monographs and editor of five academic volumes, and has published six novels for children and young adults. Catherine Butler - People - Cardiff University

Throughout history, faith-driven philanthropists, from the Cadbury family to the Aga Khan to the Bloombergs, have given generously to help those in need. But does wealth always lead to generosity? Is it possible to be wealthy and live according to faith values? And in an age of social media influencers and lavish lifestyles, how are young people’s financial values being shaped? Azim Ahmed is joined by four guests to discuss the issues: Rhys Parry is a Christian business consultant known as the Money Monk and a trainee Anglican priest. Dr Asif Zaman is a principal lecturer and Head of Department at Cardiff Metropolitan University, with a specialism in Islamic Finance. Dr Gemma Simmonds is a sister of the Congregation of Jesus, Ecumenical Canon of St. Asaph Cathedral and a senior research fellow at the Margaret Beaufort Institute of Theology in Cambridge. Rabbi Raphael Zarum is a dean at the London School of Jewish Studies and currently holds the Rabbi Sacks Chair of Modern Jewish Thought.

It’s estimated that around 100 million people sing hymns by Keith and Kristyn Getty around the world each year. Originally from Northern Ireland, they now live in America, with their 4 children. And their songs are seemingly universal. According to Christianity Today, they’ve “changed the way evangelicals worship.” Across Wales, in English and Welsh, you won’t have to search far to hear a Getty hymn being sung on a Sunday morning. They have performed for Presidents and Prime ministers, and been nominated for a Grammy. But now, they have turned their musical attention to a Welsh hymn, Dyma Gariad – Here is Love. To discuss this wonderful Welsh hymn, congregational singing and song writing, Jonathan Thomas talks to Keith and Kristyn Getty.

‘What self-respecting murder mystery doesn’t have a priest.’ So said the Rev Lisa Coupland in the recent hit psychological reality TV series, The Traitors, where players have to decide who they can trust. The ‘Faithful’ spend their time trying to work out who the Traitors are, and the Traitors, ‘murder’ the Faithful one by one. It is a game that has taken the country by storm. But, does the programme glorify lies and deception at a time when, as a nation, some studies suggest we are becoming more dishonest? And what message does it send when a priest appears on a show hiding her identity and prepared to lie to her fellow players? Joining Delyth Liddell to discuss these questions are the Traitor star Rev Lisa Coupland; Peter Ladd, head of content at CARE; and Simon Plant, co-founder of the charity for action on Spiritual Abuse.

Sleep is said to be a gift from God, but what happens when you can't drift off at night, or you regularly wake up in the small hours? Rosa Hunt investigates the science and spiritual purpose of sleep. Roughly 1 in 3 people experience periodic bouts of insomnia, and there's no it can be deeply troubling, both mentally and physically. Rosa Hunt (who suffers herself from insomnia) investigates the fascinating science and spiritual purpose of sleep, and talks to a number of fellow insomniacs. Rev'd Belinda Huxtable-Goy has suffered from disturbed sleep as a legacy of her previous job as a nurse working night shifts in trauma and obstetrics. Rev'd Dr Emma Whittick has managed to overcome her sleep difficulties after a lifelong struggle to sleep at night, whilst Rev Jon Birch started his teens as a very good sleeper, only to end with a very disrupted sleep pattern whilst experiencing the pressures of student life. As for so many people, this only got worse with the pressures of parenthood and dealing with very young children. In the past sleep was deemed practically a waste of time, and even the Bible sometimes seems to equate sleep with laziness. But as scientific understanding gets ever deeper, we can appreciate that sleep performs a whole range of essential functions. Professor Mark Blagrove, a psychiatrist from Swansea University and no stranger himself to wakeful hours in the middle of the night, explains some of the science and the multiple functions of sleep. Presenter: Rosa Hunt Producer: Geoff Ballinger

On July 13th last year a would-be assassin narrowly failed to kill Donald Trump, instead grazing the Republican candidate's right ear. Many people of faith - both on the right and left - see this narrow miss as something of a miracle, and for some evangelicals it is a sign of God's favour towards the president-elect. Roy Jenkins looks at the influence of faith groups on US politics, and the Republican party in particular, as Americans and the world look towards Donald Trump being officially declared the 47th President of the USA. For these groups, it is particularly important to have the ear of the President as they press their own agendas. Roy speaks to Professor Mark Silk, political analyst Calvin Dark, and to pro-Trump minister Pastor Mark Burns.

In this programme, Rosa Hunt, explores the experience and journey of grief, consolation and faith as a fellow Pilgrim walking with our contributors. Ruth McDonald lost her son Ben when he collapsed after running the Cardiff Half Marathon six years ago. Kathy Richards, who lost her son to cancer over four years ago, now runs a bereavement course. These two mothers speak to us out of their personal experience of grief. We also talk to Professor Wynn Thomas, who published 'The Art of Losing' this month. Wynn provides us with a different angle, using his literary expertise to help us see how poetry can articulate the journey of grief.

The border between England and Wales is something that some don’t really notice. Whether you’re crossing the Severn Bridge in the South as you see the dark grey of rain clouds loom. Or crisscrossing back and forth, dancing between lands in the North. Travelling between these two countries is something that is done easily and without much thought. For others, the border is a matter of heart, identity, heritage and pride. Look closely and you will see flat fields turn to mounds and mountains. Listen carefully, and you will hear accents adapt and language become a love affair. Dig deep and you find historic wounds and a heavy weariness. Whilst there are no border gates or passport controls, there are many historic evidences of a meaningful border. From the natural difference in geography, to the line of Europe’s most heavily populated castle cluster. There are remnants of a boarder everywhere. During the summer, in a series of 4 programmes, the team at All Things Considered explored this most intriguing border line: Offa’s Dyke. In this programme we will journey through the Dyke once more as we revisit some of the highlights.

Jonathan Thomas looks at the history and work of the Salvation Army in Wales as it celebrates 150 years since its first mission to Cardiff, followed later by missions to Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare and many other towns around Wales. Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Roberts is the Army's current leader in Wales, and he gives his account of some of the movement's early days, as well as outlining its work today. Captain Canon Kathryn Stowers is the Army's Ecumenical Officer for Wales, and she talks about the organisation's radical views on the empowerment of women - it was women who led the Army's early missions to Merthyr, for example. Professor Paul O'Leary of the University of Aberystwyth has studied street processions in Wales, and explains why evangelising on the streets was such a provocative initiative that challenged Victorian notions of respectability. Historically the Salvation Army's uniform has been a huge part of its identity, but as Jennifer Le Zotte explains, there is more to this than meets the eye: in reusing second-hand clothing there was something challenging about this uniform. Even more intriguing is the special uniform for the so-called 'Slum Sisters' who tended to the needs of the very poor. She describes this as 'cross-class drag'! For many of us the Salvation Army is synonymous with brass bands, and Jonathan visits the band of Canton Cardiff Corps to speak to their bandmaster, and to make his own practical contribution! This programme was first broadcast in November 2024.

Jonathan Thomas talks to a range of musicians as he explores the stories and the wonderful associations behind some of our favourite Christmas carols. Andrew Gant, a former choirmaster at the Chapel Royal, is the author of 'Deck the Hall' exploring some of curious histories of certain songs. Caroline Sheen from Caerleon is a much loved star of musical theatre on the West End stage, and she recalls happy memories of singing the descant to O Come All Ye Faithful when a member of her school choir. The Welsh plygain tradition of carol singing may possibly predate most English-language carols. Arfon Gwilym and Sioned Webb recount how they first attended a plygain service and were bowled over by the wealth of carols they heard for the first time. Harpist Tom Parry recalls his time living and working near Bethlehem, whilst composer Ben Heneghan (whose credits include Fireman Sam!) talks about his carol arrangements. Finally, Rhian Jackson from Corwen recalls the snowy sixties in her village, where her father was vicar.

Christmas is the most wonderful time of year, and that usually involves carols, nativities, candlelight services and plenty of tradition. But not everyone is following these well-worn paths this year. Many are exploring creative ways of spreading the Christmas message. In this programme we’ll meet Christians and churches who are trying to do something a little different this advent. First up we meet Dai Woolridge, spoken word poet, storyteller, and creative specialist at the Bible Society. We also speak to American author, singer, and songwriter, Andrew Peterson, who is bringing his Christmas Show to Cardiff. Finally, we visit two different churches in Cardiff, who are looking at new ways to take the old Christmas story to their communities: Judith Holliman and the members of Radyr Methodist Church, and Sarah Roberts from the Bridge Church, Pontprennau.

With the coldest season of the year upon us, Azim Ahmed hears how faith groups across Wales are helping homeless people through the hardest winter months. It’s estimated that nearly 3000 people each year sleep rough in Wales, but being homeless also includes people who are living in temporary hostels or night shelters, or lodging temporarily with family or friends. Nearly 10, 000 households in Wales are classified as at risk of being pushed into homelessness due to poverty and insecure housing. Across Wales people of faith do what they can to alleviate the hardship of living without a home, and today we’ll meet some of these individuals and hear about the personal efforts they make. We begin at the Victoria Fish Bar in North Cardiff where one Muslim family, Mohammad and Jawad Nazakat, head up an initiative to give out free fish and chips to the homeless each Christmas. In Wrexham Housing Justice Cymru’s Citadel project helps foster community for the people they support over the Christmas period. They work in collaboration with Hope Street Church, who gather together volunteers to pack ‘Bags of Kindness’ for those in need at Christmas. It’s part of a national initiative, ‘Love Christmas’ encouraging organisations to spread kindness during the festive period. We visit the Hare Krishna ‘Atma Café’ in central Cardiff which gives out free vegan food to those in need. We hear from Father Dean Atkins and Salvation Army chaplain John Stark who have organised a memorial service at St. Mary’s Butetown to remember those who have died homeless. The service is accompanied by the ‘Choir with No Name’, a choir which builds joyful singing communities with people impacted by homelessness and marginalisation.

Advent is a time of reflection and of waiting in expectation. Roy Jenkins talks to four people with very different experiences of waiting. They include Timothy Cho, one of very few people to successfully escape from North Korea, although not before experiencing some terrifying times in a North Korean and a Chinese prison. Tanya Marlow is a bedbound mother and writer who has had to think deeply about waiting, having suffered from a chronic health condition (ME) for many years since her teens. Retired solicitor and vicar Lindsay Ford talks about the vision he received in a Caerphilly church whilst he was going through a long period of waiting. And children's charity worker Neil Davies talks about the plight of the children whom few people wish to foster or adopt, and who may wait up to two years for their forever home.

Azim Ahmed and guests shine a light on a collection of ‘Lost Hymns’; long forgotten Welsh-language folk hymns recorded by oral historians at St. Fagan’s National Museum of History in the 1960s. When musician and composer Lleuwen Steffan came across these recordings she immediately realised that they were no longer featured in contemporary hymn books. She embarked on a decade long project to track down the descendants of those recorded, and to compose music inspired by these songs. Today she brings these recordings to modern audiences, joining the recorded voices with her own compositions on piano, guitars and synthesizers. Many of the hymns were composed as a response to the Welsh Revival of 1904, a period of intense religious fervour that swept across Wales, filling chapels, and bringing life-changing religious experiences to those part of the revivals. The songs are frank, down to earth and sometimes dark. They reflect the fragility of human experience. Emeritus Professor Wyn James, a Welsh hymnology expert from the School of Welsh at Cardiff University sets out the historical context of these hymns. Catrin Roberts, the granddaughter of hymn collector William Morris (one of the voices in the collection) shares memories of her grandfather, and his passion for the heritage of Wales. Lleuwen’s work is made in partnership with Eisteddfod Genedlaethol Cymru and supported by the British Council Wales.

Roy Jenkins reflects further on his broadcast career, and recounts some memorable moments in such diverse places as Russia, South America, South Africa, Hong Kong and Israel.