Religion Media Centre Podcast

Religion Media Centre

The only podcast to sit firmly in the space where religion and the media collide. We ease that relationship, strengthen links that already exist, and be part of building new ones through chat, reflection, and comment, with a panel of regular contributors of journalists, broadcasters, writers, comedians, and experts.

  1. Apr 15

    RMC Briefing: Sudan, the forgotten story

    It's been three years since the outbreak of civil war in Sudan, and in the brutal conflict, the level of human suffering has reached “unimaginable levels”, according to aid agencies in the UK. They have grouped together to raise awareness of the issue and demand that urgent action is taken to address the humanitarian crisis, after millions of people have been displaced, essential services crippled, and communities once living side by side in peace facing hunger, fear and uncertainty. A petition with 40,000 signatures was handed into Number Ten Downing Street yesterday, demanding a government response and urging international action to address a conflict which is not often reported, and appears to be forgotten. Trevor Barnes hosted with guests including: Christian Aid CEO Patrick Watt Islamic Relief interim Director Zia Salik Tearfund’s South Sudan Country Director, Erickson Bisetsa Jon Williams, Executive Director of the Rory Peck Trust Journalists Mike Wooldridge & Paul Vallely Mervyn Fletcher, Former BBC News Editor and UNICEF Communications Chief Anneliese Dodds MP, Labour MP and chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Sudan and South Sudan Bishop Zechariah Manyok Biar, Bishop of Wanglei Diocese in South Sudan Bishop Anthony Poggo, from South Sudan, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion Links Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information info@religionmediacentre.org.uk (+44) 0203 970 0709

    56 min

  2. Mar 30

    RMC Briefing: Quiet Revival report withdrawn - key lessons and future implications

    The Bible Society’s report “A Quiet Revival” has been pulled after a review of the data found a number of “fraudulent respondents”. The report was based on a survey conducted by YouGov which found a dramatic increase of 56 per cent in the number of people attending church at least once a month from 2018-2024, with the growth particularly marked among 18-24 year olds. This high increase had not been seen in any other data, and the results were challenged from the outset by pollsters. YouGov has issued a statement saying it reviewed the data and found specific demographic groups contained a number of respondents which it now identified as fraudulent. It took full responsibility and apologised. The Bible Society said it was deeply disappointed, but continues to maintain that there is a spiritual awakening among GenZ and more people are finding faith today. In this briefing, we review the fallout from the flawed data and resultant withdrawal of the report, and the lessons for Christians commissioning data, polling companies finding answers, journalists reporting polls and the legacy of distrust. Hosted by Ruth Peacock, the speakers were: Paul Williams, CEO Bible Society – offering to take part Prof David Voas, Emeritus Professor of Social Science in the UCL Social -Research Institute, which he led from 2016 to 2020 Prof Sir John Curtice, senior research fellow at the National Centre for Social Research Nick Spencer, senior fellow at Theos Justin Brierley, author, speaker & podcaster. Director of Think Faith. Host of the podcast Uncommon Ground. Revd Canon Giles Goddard, vicar of St John’s Waterloo Links Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information info@religionmediacentre.org.uk (+44) 0203 970 0709

    1h 4m

  3. Mar 3

    RMC Briefing: The BBC Charter Review and the future of religious broadcasting

    The green paper on the BBC Charter Review is up for public consultation, and in this Religion Media Centre briefing, faith leaders and media commentators discuss how religious broadcasting will develop in a time of technological and societal change. Religion has always been embedded in the BBC public service settlement, but in the new media landscape of algorithms and global competition, will there be a demand for such programmes? And how will the BBC's challenges of trust, funding, competition and public service to the nation, impact religious programming? Our host was Torin Douglas, former BBC media correspondent, and our guests included: Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York; Anna McNamee, Executive Director, Sandford St Martin’s Trust; Alison Green, Head of Digital at CTVC; Bishop John Arnold, Catholic Bishops’ Conference; and Roger Bolton, broadcaster. Links Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information info@religionmediacentre.org.uk (+44) 0203 970 0709

    53 min

  4. Feb 5

    RMC Briefing: The new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, and the challenges of a divided church

    The incoming Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, inherits a daunting in-tray, as faithful congregations keep the show on the road despite crumbling buildings, falling numbers of clergy and financial pressures. Nationally, the church is weary of safeguarding failures and deeply divided over same-sex blessings, with opponents already withholding funding, and plans for a parallel structure of bishops only just pulled back from the brink. In this briefing, authors of books about the new archbishop describe her character and expectations for her tenure. Members of the Church of England’s parliament, the general synod, discuss the tensions and divisions which will once again come to the fore at next week’s synod meeting in London. Hosted by Ruth Peacock and journalist Tim Wyatt, who has written about the archbishop and the ten urgent challenges for the church, and joined by: Dr Andrew Atherstone, also author of a book on Sarah MullallyFrancis Martin, Church Times reporterRev Alex Frost, from Burnley, campaigning for more working-class clergyRev Dr Charlie Bączyk-Bell, forensic psychiatrist and priest, LGBTQ+ campaignerRev Chantal Noppen, national coordinator Inclusive ChurchSam Wilson, parish youth minister in Chester DioceseDr Ros Clarke, Associate Director of Church SocietySusie Leafe, Director of Anglican FuturesLinks Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information info@religionmediacentre.org.uk (+44) 0203 970 0709

    55 min

  5. Jan 13

    RMC Briefing: Religion, identity and division in Britain

    In our first RMC Briefing of 2026, we look at the report "Questions of Hope and Hate: Faith and Faultlines in a Changing Britain", published by the Good Faith Partnership and Hope Not Hate, which explores the reasons for faith narratives being mobilised for causes of division in Britain, and recommends actions to “strengthen the institutions and relationships that allow faith to serve the common good”. It says there is a "rising visibility and politicisation of religion" in the UK, with "new Christian symbolism of populist movements, the assertive politics of Hindutva, forms of Zionism shaped by existential insecurity, Sikh advocacy of a state of Khalistan and Islamist visions that link faith with power”. The report analyses the reasons behind this shift, suggesting that democratic fatigue, global conflict, internal religious change, and weakened interfaith structures are reshaping civic life. Among its recommendations are the creation of stable long-term mechanisms for government and faith relations, embedding religious literacy across institutions, and renewing national narratives of belonging. Ruth Peacock hosted with guests: Report author Paul Bickley, independent researcher and consultantLord Russell Rook, member of the House of Lords, founding partner of the Good Faith Partnership and priest in the Church of EnglandCarrie Alderton, Interim CEO Faith and Belief ForumEd Pawson, RE adviser to a number of SACREs in SW England and member of the RE Council's Policy UnitAmardeep Bassey, journalist, RMC communities reporterLinks Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information info@religionmediacentre.org.uk (+44) 0203 970 0709

    56 min

  6. 12/19/2025

    RMC Briefing: Bishop Richard Moth, the new Archbishop of Westminster

    Bishop Richard Moth, the Bishop of Arundel and Brighton, has been chosen as the next Archbishop of Westminster, taking over from Cardinal Vincent Nichols, who has held the role for 16 years. In his first press conference, he introduced himself to the public, mentioning his years as Bishop to the Forces, and his work in prisons, commitment to social justice and initiatives with mental health issues. In this briefing, guests spoke of his character and their experience of working with him. They spoke of his pastoral strengths and calmness, and the issues which will face him in his in-tray. Ruth Peacock hosted with guests including: Catherine Pepinster, journalist and authorProfessor Anthony McClaran, Vice-Chancellor St Mary’s University, TwickenhamProf James Kelly, Associate Professor in the History of Catholicism, University of DurhamProf Stephen Bullivant, Professor of Theology and the Sociology of Religion, Benedict XVI Centre for Religion, Ethics and SocietyLiam Allmark, Head of Communications, Jesuit Refugee ServiceFr Dominic Robinson SJ, Parish Priest at Farm Street ChurchSister Gemma Simmonds, Senior research fellow of the Margaret Beaufort Institute in CambridgeLinks Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information info@religionmediacentre.org.uk (+44) 0203 970 0709

    54 min

  7. 12/16/2025

    RMC Briefing: Review of religion news 2025

    This Religion Media Centre briefing is an annual review of religion in the headlines in 2025. The deadly attack on Jews at Bondi Beach came at the end of a year that saw antisemitism rise across the globe. Britain also saw an increase in hate crime against Muslims, while at the same time, there were new initiatives to build bridges and strengthen community relations. The Church of England experienced major change, with one Archbishop of Canterbury resigning and another appointed — the first woman to hold the role. The Catholic Church marked the death of Pope Francis and the surprise election of an American successor, Pope Leo XIV. The government’s Faith Minister lost his job and was replaced. Yet amid institutional change, faith communities on the ground remained active: alleviating poverty, delivering aid, helping to broker peace, and engaged in vigorous internal debates. In the UK and the US, Christian nationalism moved into sharper focus, while talk of a “Quiet Revival” — particularly among Gen Z — gathered momentum. Ruth Peacock hosted with guests reflecting on what the year has meant, and how it may be remembered: Jewish community: Simon Rothstein, comms for The Movement for Progressive Judaism; Victoria Lisek, Board of DeputiesBritish Muslims: Dr Azim Ahmed, General Secretary Muslim Council of Wales; and Akeela Ahmed, CEO and founder, British Muslim TrustReligious Education: Sarah Lane Cawte, Chair of the REC CouncilHindus in Britain: Tilak Parekh, PhD student in the Faculty of DivinityInterfaith: Rebecca Collins, Faith and Belief ForumUS and religion: Melissa Deckman, CEO of the Public Religion Research Institute; and Bob Smietana, national reporter for Religion News ServiceCatholic Church: Ruth Gledhill, Assistant Editor at The Tablet; and Sr Gemma Simmonds, Senior Fellow and Director of Religious Life InstituteChurch of England: Tim Wyatt, freelance religion reporter; Rev Alex Frost, vicar of St Matthew the Apostle, BurnleyAction for Peace and Justice: Simeon Mitchell, team leader of Joint Public Issues Team (Baptist, Methodist, URC)Aid: Peter Robertson, Humanitarian journalist at Christian AidLinks Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information info@religionmediacentre.org.uk (+44) 0203 970 0709

    1h 8m

  8. 11/13/2025

    RMC Briefing: Community relations among Muslims and Jews in Britain

    Conversations between Jews and Muslims in Britain have been “very difficult” over the past two years since the Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023. But community leaders taking part in a Religion Media Centre briefing said that, two years on, there is a growing desire to rebuild good relations — despite continuing anxiety and mistrust. The renewed dialogue comes after the ceasefire in Gaza and amid rising Islamophobia, antisemitism, and attacks on synagogues and mosques. New structures have been created to support local discussions, while at grassroots level “brave souls and heroes” continue to engage, encouraging small, informal meetings that help people to “disagree well.” Speakers described the task as urgent — “a fight for the soul of the nation” — and appealed to the government to “lean into this” by offering consistent support for interfaith initiatives. The discussion was hosted by Ruth Peacock, with guests: Phil Rosenberg, President of the Board of DeputiesJonathan Boyd, executive director of the Institute for Jewish Policy ResearchRabbi Warren Elf, from ManchesterImam Qari Asim, Head Imam at Makkah Mosque Leeds and Chair of Mosques & Imams National Advisory BoardHasan Moosa Reza, chief of staff, office of the Chief Imam (Scotland), who was instrumental in the signing of the Drumlanrig AccordDr Adeela Shafi, founder of the Bristol Muslim Strategic Leadership GroupLinks Website: https://religionmediacentre.org.uk/ X: https://x.com/RelMedCentre LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/religion-media-centre/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCthZf6RVTqJki6oTQTB6qmw Contact Information info@religionmediacentre.org.uk (+44) 0203 970 0709

    52 min
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About

The only podcast to sit firmly in the space where religion and the media collide. We ease that relationship, strengthen links that already exist, and be part of building new ones through chat, reflection, and comment, with a panel of regular contributors of journalists, broadcasters, writers, comedians, and experts.

Information

  • Creator
    Religion Media Centre
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    117
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2016 - 2022 Religion Media Centre
  • Show Website
    Religion Media Centre Podcast