This Sunday, “Songs of Praise” eschews the usual stained-glass serenity for something a bit more… active. Presenter Claire McCollum heads to Edinburgh, a city known more for its Fringe Festival than its fervent faith, to explore how Christianity manifests itself in deeds, not just hymns.
McCollum’s first stop is the Bethany Christian Centre, a place where faith isn’t just spoken, it’s lived. We hear the story of Dave Biddulph, whose journey from addiction to recovery is intertwined with the center’s supportive community. Biddulph’s story highlights the transformative power of such organizations, which offer not just spiritual guidance, but practical support during life’s inevitable wobbles.
From individual transformation to communal creation, McCollum next visits the Edinburgh City Mission. Here, she participates in an art and craft class with asylum seekers, a moving demonstration of how faith can foster connection and provide solace in unfamiliar surroundings. It’s a reminder that “community” can extend beyond shared beliefs to encompass shared humanity.
The episode also features Christian artist Peter Gray, whose work with a local charity to help previously homeless individuals brings another dimension to the “faith in action” theme. Gray discusses how his faith inspires his artistic endeavors, suggesting a synergy between creativity and compassion.
Naturally, it wouldn’t be “Songs of Praise” without music. Scottish singer-songwriter Steph MacLeod leads the musical performances at Charlotte Chapel, Edinburgh. The chosen hymns, including “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” “Because He Lives,” and “Open the Eyes of My Heart,” offer both a spiritual and musical counterpoint to the stories of faith in action.
“Songs of Praise” airs Sunday, January 12, 2025, at 1:15 PM on BBC One.
