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Exploring and explaining news stories from across England.Series 5: Sanctuary: An Act of DefianceViraj Mendis from Sri Lanka begs for sanctuary in an Ascension church. The vicar, Father Joh... more
FAQs about In Detail...:How many episodes does In Detail... have?The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.
November 04, 2025Episode SixKaren plots Viraj’s escape from Sri Lanka and finds a new home for them both in Germany.A new posting in Yorkshire proves troubling for Father John.Viraj’s friend Charlie Baker finds some peace after his experience in Sri Lanka.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.Producer: Jen Dale.Sound design: Kasel Kundola.Online producer: Rachael Smith.Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.Photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson....more30minPlay
October 28, 2025Episode 5A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.Producer: Jen Dale.Sound design: Kasel Kundola.Online producer: Rachael Smith.Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck.Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson....more31minPlay
October 21, 2025Episode 4A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.Producer: Jen Dale.Sound design: Kasel Kundola.Online producer: Rachael Smith.Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck.Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson....more34minPlay
October 14, 2025Episode 3A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.Producer: Jen Dale.Sound design: Kasel Kundola.Online producer: Rachael Smith.Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck.Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson....more26minPlay
October 07, 2025Episode 2A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.Producer: Jen Dale.Sound design: Kasel Kundola.Online producer: Rachael Smith.Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck.Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson....more35minPlay
September 30, 2025Episode 1A Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher's authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.Producer: Jen Dale.Sound design: Kasel Kundola.Online producer: Rachael Smith.Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck.Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson....more30minPlay
September 28, 2025TrailerA Sri Lankan man begs for sanctuary in a church in 1986. Viraj Mendis says he faces death if sent back to his home country. Father John Methuen protects him from arrest, risking his reputation and the safety of Ascension church and allows a devoted group to protect him in the church.Presenter Father Azariah France-Williams is the current rector of Ascension Church. He goes on a journey of discovery, finding out how the Sanctuary gamble leads to a two year culture war that defies Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher’s authority before crashing down.Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.Producer: Jen Dale.Sound design: Kasel Kundola.Online producer: Rachael Smith.Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck.Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.Artwork photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson....more4minPlay
September 08, 20257. End of DaysEx-Jesus Army members unite in finding their freedom, rebuilding their identity and speaking their truth.For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline....more29minPlay
September 01, 20256. Sins of the FleshThousands mourn and a new generation takes control.Meanwhile criminal confessions about troubling abuse claims are ignored by elders and the pressure mounts.For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline....more28minPlay
August 25, 20255. JudasTroubling revelations, a heavy conscience, and one man left questioning what to do next.Philippa recalls her visit to court to testify on behalf of her friend 'Gemma' and shares how it led her to question her beliefs and her spiritual family.Meanwhile, the Jesus Army continues as it was before, protecting the community and the elders. For information and support on issues covered in this episode, visit bbc.co.uk/actionline....more33minPlay
FAQs about In Detail...:How many episodes does In Detail... have?The podcast currently has 44 episodes available.