Ruth Peacock

Ruth is the leader of the Religion Media Centre project and oversees its work. After studying theology and teaching RE, she trained as a journalist on a local paper, freelanced in print and radio and then joined the BBC, working in many news departments, including the main newsgathering desk. She also worked on the BBC’s move into the new W1 building and studied organisational change.

Written Content

Religion News 3 August

Abuse of power among Roman Catholic nuns; Bishops urge vaccination against Covid19; Eid al-Adha festival in lockdown; Dean: Sheffield Cathedral singing not ‘thrilling’.

Religion news 30 July

Christian Concern campaign objects to women taking abortion pills at home during lockdown; Hajj pilgrimage without the crows; Stonehenge stones mystery solved.

Socially distanced Hajj 2020

The Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia is taking place with restrictions forced by Covid 19 – fewer people, socially distanced, tested and wearing face masks.

Religion news 29 July

Racism “blights the life of our churches”; Wiley’s accounts deleted after #NoSafeSpaceForJewHate campaign; CofE announces Christmas campaign with 150 days to go

Religion news 28 July

Pilgrims start arriving for the Hajj; Sheffield Cathedral defends decision to scrap the choir; Dominican brother blames president of Brazil for coronavirus ‘genocide’

Religion News 27 July

48 hour boycott of Twitter and Facebook in protest at antisemitic posts; Petition to save Sheffield Cathedral Choir,; cathedrals and churches in financial trouble due to lockdown

Religion News 24 July

Hagia Sophia opens for prayers. Coronavirus spreads – Hindu pilgrimage cancelled; hundreds of children at risk from church summer cam; fear causing anti Semitic backlash.