The Wise and the Wherefores

The Tablet

The Wise and the Wherefores is a podcast from The Tablet, the international Catholic weekly and is hosted by Ruth Gledhill, assistant editor of The Tablet, who in the latest series is talking with Liz Dodd.

  1. 12 mars

    Authors Liz Dodd and Rhidian Brook talk Lent with Ruth Gledhill

    Sister Liz Dodd CSJP and writer Rhidian Brook both have Lent books out. Easter in Disguise by Liz and Notes on an Execution by Rhidian have both been picked up by parishes around the country to study and think about at Lent group gatherings. Ruth Gledhill is assistant editor of The Tablet, and her own parish is studying Rhidian’s book. Here, she talks to both authors about the enduring Lenten practices that make this time of year so fruitful for all those who are on a Christian journey.

    46 min
  2. New Archbishop of Westminster Richard Moth talks to The Tablet

    12 feb.

    New Archbishop of Westminster Richard Moth talks to The Tablet

    In this bonus episode of The Wise and the Wherefores, Ruth Gledhill and The Tablet’s Plater Trust intern Aili Winstanley Channer went to Archbishop’s House, Westminster to interview Archbishop Richard Moth ahead of his installation as Archbishop of Westminster at the cathedral on Saturday. ‘There’s a word I always put with leadership, which is service,’ Richard Moth told The Tablet in an interview ahead of his installation as Archbishop of Westminster on Saturday. Archbishop Richard Moth said the Church must continue to use her voice to ‘bring the light of the gospel and the light of Christ, into the world we are living in’ at this point in history, in the context of contemporary national and international challenges. He said, ‘This is what the Church has always been about. That never changes. What changes is the circumstance. The circumstance of this year is very different from the circumstance of ten years ago or even two.’ Read the online news story Subscribe to The Tablet

    23 min

  3. 10 feb.

    Ruth and Liz discuss Liz’s new Lent book – and the future of liberalism

    This is our first podcast of 2026 and we start by discussing Sister Liz’s Lent book, Easter in Disguise, published by Bloomsbury. There will be more on this in our next podcast as well, but basically, Liz believes there is more, lots more, to Lent than giving up chocolate! For the first time also, we have a guest and we hope that this will be a regular feature of The Wise and the Wherefores as we move forwards into our second season. Where did last year go so fast? So, in this week’s Tablet, our cover is by theologian, writer and Anglican ordinand Theo Hobson. Headlined ‘The dark night of liberalism’, Theo unpacks why the word ‘liberal’ has become associated with a demand for absolute personal autonomy and an unregulated economic free-for-all. Might Christian ideas be what is needed to create a space that brings freedom of conscience together with the common good? Read Theo’s feature here: https://www.thetablet.co.uk/features/the-dark-night-of-liberalism/ Subscribe to The Tablet https://www.thetablet.co.uk/subscribe/ Buy Easter in Disguise by Sister Liz Dodd CSJP, published by Bloomsbury, from The Tablet Bookshop. Discount available if you cite The Tablet, for the next two months. 020 7799 4064 or email bookshop@chbookshop.co.uk.

    49 min

  4. 2025-12-16

    A new Archbishop of Westminster, women deacons in the Catholic Church and embracing Advent

    In the latest episode of The Tablet podcast, The Wise and the Wherefores, Ruth Gledhill and Liz Dodd discuss the Westminster succession as well as the latest pronouncement on women deacons. They also talk about how they are both responding to the season of Advent. Takeaways The delay in appointing a new Archbishop of Westminster reflects broader vacancies in the church. Rumours about potential candidates for the Archbishop position include Richard Moth, John Wilson, and Bernard Longley. The ordination of women deacons remains a contentious issue within the church, with many feeling disappointed by the lack of progress. There is a growing sentiment that the church is not keeping pace with societal changes regarding women’s roles. The discussion around the new Archbishop may indicate the church’s priorities under Pope Leo. Advent is seen as a time for preparation and reflection, with a focus on social justice this year. Liz’s new book aims to connect Lenten spirituality with social justice themes. The importance of community and shared experiences in understanding faith is emphasised. The church's response to women's ordination reflects deeper issues of gender equality within its hierarchy. The conversation highlights the need for the church to adapt and respond to contemporary issues. Liz Dodd’s new book, Easter in Disguise, is the 2026 Lent book from Bloomsbury.

    41 min

  5. 2025-10-31

    Pope Leo and Dilexi te, robot vacuum cleaners, sport and more

    In this conversation, Ruth Gledhill and Liz Dodd discuss the recent developments in LGBTQI inclusion within the Church, particularly focusing on the findings from a conference in Amsterdam. They explore the impact of Pope Francis on the acceptance of LGBTQI individuals in the Catholic Church and delve into the implications of Pope Leo's new document, Dilexi te. They also touch on the intersection of technology and morality, the role of women in the church, and personal reflections on how technology influences faith and community. Takeaways The Catholic Church in England and Wales is surprisingly inclusive for LGBTQI individuals. Grassroots movements play a crucial role in fostering inclusivity within the church. Pope Francis's language has significantly impacted the treatment of LGBTQI Catholics. Pope Leo's document, Delexi te, is seen as a powerful and radical statement. The intertwining of finance and hate speech is a growing concern. The pride flag is viewed as a symbol of identity and devotion, not just politics. Technology can enhance community support and social justice efforts. The moral implications of technology, such as AI, are complex and multifaceted. Women are increasingly taking on leadership roles within the church. Personal connections to technology can shape our understanding of morality and ethics. Sound Bites "England and Wales is among the most inclusive." "I think technology can be used for human flourishing." "If your robot vacuum cleaner unionises, great!"

    51 min

  6. 2025-09-19

    Donald Trump in the UK, meditating on Star Wars and why the Religious life still appeals to so many

    Ruth Gledhill of The Tablet and Liz Dodd, a sister of St Joseph of Peace, discuss the visit to the UK this week of US President Donald Trump, the Royal family, a recent Star Wars retreat in Ireland – and why people are still attracted to the Religious life.

    40 min

  7. 2025-07-18

    Pope Leo XIV – fit for Rome, on the tennis court and in the gym as well!

    Ruth Gledhill and Sister Liz Dodd discuss the recent election of Pope Leo and the implications of his leadership style for the Catholic Church. They explore initial reactions to his election, the challenges he faces, particularly regarding the Latin Mass, and the significance of women's roles within the Church. The conversation also touches on Sister Liz's upcoming travels, the influence of Chicago on Pope Leo's formation, and the intersection of physical fitness and spirituality in leadership. Additionally, they discuss the importance of fundraising for social justice causes, particularly in light of the current situation in Gaza, and how running serves as a meditative practice for both hosts. Takeaways: Pope Leo's election had a postive reception worldwide.His leadership style aims to bridge divides within the Church.Women in the Church are increasingly being recognized in leadership roles.The Latin Mass remains a contentious issue for Pope Leo's papacy.Sister Liz emphasises the importance of community and social justice.Physical fitness is intertwined with spiritual well-being.Running serves as a form of prayer and meditation for Sister Liz.The significance of cathedrals in the Catholic faith is highlighted.Pope Leo's background in Chicago may influence his approach to leadership.Fundraising for Gaza reflects a commitment to social justice. To read Liz and Ruth in The Tablet, and the many other writers in news, features, arts, books and more, visit thetablet.co.uk. See our latest subscription offers here.

    39 min
  8. Pope Francis – his legacy, and the coming conclave

    2025-04-29

    Pope Francis – his legacy, and the coming conclave

    Ruth Gledhill, assistant editor of The Tablet and Liz Dodd CSJP discuss for the latest Tablet podcast, The Wise and the Wherefores, the legacy of Pope Francis and who might emerge as his successor in the coming conclave.See all our coverage of this hugely significant moment for the Catholic Church and the wider world and sign up for our twice-weekly free newsletters at https://thetablet.co.ukSubscribe at http://thetablet.co.uk/subscribe

    41 min
Visa alla (79)

Om

The Wise and the Wherefores is a podcast from The Tablet, the international Catholic weekly and is hosted by Ruth Gledhill, assistant editor of The Tablet, who in the latest series is talking with Liz Dodd.

Information

  • Skapad av
    The Tablet
  • Aktiva år
    2020 - 2026
  • Avsnitt
    79
  • Åldersgräns
    Barnvänligt
  • Copyright
    © The Tablet
  • Programmets webbplats
    The Wise and the Wherefores

Du kanske också gillar