In the first of two programmes on the parables of Jesus, Sean Fletcher meets Christians inspired by one of the most famous of Jesus’ stories – the Good Samaritan. \n\nTo begin his exploration of Jesus’ parables, Sean Fletcher visits priest and theologian the Rev Dr Rachel Mann at Bolton Parish Church. Rachel explains why Jesus used stories so prolifically in his teaching and shares her insights into the parable of the Good Samaritan, discussing how the themes of the story transcend human history and bring its message into our 21st-century society. \n\nNext, Sean visits Jane and her husband Andrew, who are putting Jesus’ teachings into action. For the past 15 years, the couple have opened their home to dozens of short- and long-term house guests, including political and religious refugees, and international students. Jane explains to Sean how welcoming strangers is their way of living out Jesus’ call to love one’s neighbour. \n\nFinally, we meet a man for whom an enemy became a friend. Paul Dayes found his faith later in life, following years of mistrust in the police and struggles with addiction. The Teen Challenge programme turned Paul’s life around and is where he met Leroy, a superintendent in the Metropolitan police. Paul and Leroy became firm friends, and Paul discusses overcoming prejudices and how the Good Samaritan mirrors their own story. \n\nWith hymns that celebrate the compassion of God and the challenge to love our neighbours. \n\n1. O Jesus, I Have Promised – Chester Cathedral \n2. Lord of All Hopefulness – Chris Sayburn and Friends \n3. When I Needed a Neighbour – Bradford Cathedral \n4. God of Justice – Message Prayer Hut, Wythenshawe \n5. Amazing Grace – Aled Jones, Fitzrovia Chapel, London \n6. In Christ There Is No East or West – St George’s Church, Jesmond
Source: BBC 1
The Parables Of Jesus: The Good Samaritan
In the first of two programmes on the parables of Jesus, Sean Fletcher meets Christians inspired by one of the most famous of Jesus’ stories – the Good Samaritan. \n ...
25-01-2026
BBC 1
Faith In The Workplace
Laura Wright is in Cambridge to explore faith outside the pulpit and the pew and meets Christians living out their faith in offices, laboratories and police stations. \n\nAs she ...
18-01-2026
BBC 1
Union Chapel
Claire McCollum is in north London visiting Union Chapel, both a world-renowned music venue and a diverse worshipping community putting faith into action. \n\nClaire meets minis ...
11-01-2026
BBC 1
My Bible
Sean Fletcher welcomes in the new year, meeting people in Glasgow for whom a particular copy of the Bible has been life-changing. \n\nSean meets Margaret Borland, who relays the ...
04-01-2026
BBC 1
Carols For Christmastide
In a programme packed with music, Pam Rhodes visits Launde Abbey in Leicestershire to mark the fourth day of Christmas. She shares joyful hymns and carols reflecting on the birt ...
28-12-2025
BBC 1
A Christmas Celebration From The Victoria Hall, Bolton
Aled Jones is joined by special guests and a congregation of 800 voices at the Victoria Hall, Bolton, for a spectacular musical celebration of traditional carols and festive fav ...
21-12-2025
BBC 1
Advent Joy
In this third episode marking the traditional themes of Advent, Laura Wright visits Bedford to celebrate joy. She asks what it means to Christians and finds out how we can all s ...
14-12-2025
BBC 1
Advent Peace
On the second Sunday of Advent, Claire McCollom continues a series unpacking the themes of the season. On a visit to Coventry Cathedral, she explores peace – from its rich ...
07-12-2025
BBC 1
Advent Hope
On Advent Sunday, Sean Fletcher begins a series of programmes exploring some of the themes of the Advent season, beginning with stories and hymns celebrating hope. \n\nSean mee ...
30-11-2025
BBC 1
The Big School Assembly Singalong
Aled Jones and Kate Bottley host a joyful singalong of school assembly hymns from Victoria Hall, Bolton.\n\nTens of thousands of votes were cast to find the nation’s favou ...
23-11-2025
BBC 1
The Big School Assembly Singalong
Aled Jones and Kate Bottley host a joyful singalong of school assembly hymns from Victoria Hall, Bolton.\n\nTens of thousands of votes were cast to find the nation’s favou ...
23-11-2025
BBC 1
My Bible
Sean Fletcher welcomes in the new year, meeting people in Glasgow for whom a particular copy of the Bible has been life-changing. \n\nSean meets Margaret Borland, who relays the ...
04-01-2026
BBC 1
Gospel Choir Of The Year Part 1
David Grant hosts the competition to find the Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year 2017. Five leading amateur choirs take to the stage of Central Hall Westminster in London ...
26-11-2017
BBC 1
Big Sing: The Uk's Top Ten Hymns
The results of a nationwide vote are sung by five thousand people in the Royal Albert Hall in this Big Sing special, with guests including Russell Watson.
06-07-2014
BBC 1
St George’s Day
To celebrate St George's Day, Laura Wright heads to the capital to join families uncovering the legendary story of England's patron saint on a dragon-finding walking tour.\n\nLa ...
23-04-2023
BBC 1
Carols For Christmastide
In a programme packed with music, Pam Rhodes visits Launde Abbey in Leicestershire to mark the fourth day of Christmas. She shares joyful hymns and carols reflecting on the birt ...
28-12-2025
BBC 1
Celebrating 60 Years
Marking the year Songs of Praise turns 60, Aled Jones celebrates at St George’s Chapel in Windsor with Christian stories that exemplify the spirit of the series. Aled and ...
24-01-2021
BBC 1
Young Chorister Of The Year - Final
Aled Jones and the Rev Kate Bottley host the final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year from Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester. Three junior choristers aged 11 to 13 and ...
12-10-2025
BBC 1
Celebrating Gospel Music Today
Renowned choir director Mark De-Lisser celebrates gospel, his favourite genre of music, by meeting Christians at the heart of the gospel community and exploring the message behi ...
13-10-2024
BBC 1
Young Chorister Of The Year - Senior Semi-final
Aled Jones presents the senior semi-final of BBC Young Chorister of the Year from the prestigious Hallé St Peter’s in Manchester. Five of the very best singers aged ...
28-09-2025
BBC 1