The Religion and Ethics Report

In the discussion around global warming, of course you’ll hear a lot from the scientists, and even the economists. But what about the voices of religious leaders and ethicists?

If the next two years of American politics promises to be as divisive as ever, one group of Americans is trying to create a more civil and constructive environment – by not trying to bury all political difference, and to disagree with more respect. 

In the US, at least one Republican politician is challenging Donald Trump for the party's nominee at the 2024 presidential election. Nikki Haley is of Indian heritage but it's her religious background that's captured attention.

What happens when Christianity and celebrity collide? Recent stories of narcissistic behaviour and extramarital affairs have cast doubt on whether there’s enough accountability for celebrity megachurch pastors. 

More earthquakes have struck the Türkiye Syria border region, causing further casualties and leaving hundreds wounded in both countries. The weeks of disaster have affected usual religious requirements for burial in the Muslim-majority country.

How can tech companies deploy AI technology ethically? It's a question the Vatican is attempting to answer with its Rome Call for AI Ethics, first signed between the Vatican, tech companies and the UN in 2020. This year, Jewish and Muslim representatives also signed onto the agreement. 

India's major film industry Bollywood is not just hugely popular, it's also very influential on politics and culture. With the rise of Hindu nationalism continuing largely unchecked, hardline protesters are now demanding the film industry join the campaign. And that means Indian Muslims are portrayed in ever more negative ways.

With Professor Ira Bhaskar.

There are laws to protect human rights during war, but do they actually create wars without end? Yale law professor Samuel Moyn has written a book on the subject.

Sister Nathalie Becquart is Undersecretary to the Synod of Bishops, making her the most senior female in the Vatican. She's often the only woman in the room when some of the biggest decisions are being made about the future of the global Catholic church.  

Malta was one of the first countries in the world to outlaw gay conversion practices. So what happens when a young man goes on a popular TV show, then a radio show, and shares his experience of being no longer gay because he found God? That's the story of Matthew Grech, whose case has been brought to court.