All Things Considered

Today, churches around thew world are marking Candlemas, and stepping into that moment in the Temple when the infant Jesus was presented, and Simeon proclaimed him a light for all nations — a light that still reaches into every culture, every community, every corner of our world. But what does that look like in multicultural Wales today? How does that light sound, feel, and take shape among the many voices that make up our shared life? Jonathan Thomas explores the concept of a Polyphonic Church with Craig Gardner from Cardiff Baptist College; Tim Gill from Newtown Evangelical Church; Jessica Morgan from the Bont Church in Pontypridd, and Rev. Dominic DeSouza who recently co-authored a chapter in the book 'Polyphonic God'.

It sounds like the novel Jane Austen never got to write! But on this day dedicated to St Dwynwen, the Welsh patron saint of lovers, Azim Ahmed looks at what makes a saint in both medieval and modern times. In this panel discussion, four experts compare stories from Catholic, Anglican, medieval and Islamic traditions. Dr David Callander has studied Welsh saints' lives in both Latin and Welsh, and fills in some of the scant detail on the life of Dwynwen, whose cult was based at Ynys Llanddwyn in Anglesey. Father Sebastian Jones of Cardiff Oratory presents the contemporary Catholic view of saints, whilst Bishop Mary Stallard, Bishop of Llandaff, gives shares her insights into the Anglican tradition. Saints are not unique to Christianity, and Professor Mark Sedgwick, based at the University of Aarhus in Denmark, explains about saints in Islam and gives some fascinating glimpses of saints in Sufi practice.

Rob Parsons grew up in Cardiff and has since become one of the most influential voices in the UK on family life, leadership and personal development. He’s written nearly 30 books — including a Sunday Times Bestseller — with over one million copies sold. He founded the charity Care for the Family, earned an OBE for his services to family life, and today speaks internationally on topics ranging from money to leadership to relationships. His latest book, A Knock at the Door, has received widespread acclaim, and he’s been appearing across podcasts and major news outlets to discuss its message.

Azim, Delyth, Jonathan and Rosa, the presenters of All Things Considered, choose their favourite episodes of 2025.