with Cathy Macdonald

Available for 23 days

What happens when centuries-old sanctuaries fall silent? With hundreds of churches having been sold off by the Church of Scotland in recent years, 2026 is expected to see record numbers close. Dr Louise Yeoman explores the effect of Scotland’s biggest church shake-up in years. Critically acclaimed artist Michael Fullerton, whose work has been shown at The Tate, reveals the story behind his powerful new exhibition inspired by encounters with asylum seekers. Cathy’s Spiritual Life guest this week is Julian Ovenden, Olivier-nominated actor and singer, star of Downton Abbey and Bridgerton, and son of a former royal chaplain. He shares how faith and music shaped his life ahead of his forthcoming Cathedral Tour. On this week’s Faith Forum, Cathy is joined by Lawyer and member of the Sikh community in Scotland, Rupa Mooker, minister of Kilmacolm Parish Church, The Rev Bryan Kerr, and former secretary general of the Muslim Council of Britain, Zara Mohammed. Up for discussion are New Year’s resolutions and why we feel the urge to improve ourselves every January. Talks between Presidents Zelensky and Trump could shape the end of the war in Ukraine, but any deal will hinge on compromise. So how do we give up ground in order to achieve peace? And we ask our panel about the major cultural and religious events they are looking forward to this year.