Songs of Praise S2023E22 - The Church on Parliament Square

Sean Fletcher visits St Margaret's Church in Westminster, popularly known as a place of worship for MPs and members of the House of Lords. Sean finds out what role the church plays in the day-to-day life of politicians and during significant moments in parliamentary history, including VE Day in 1945, when Winston Churchill led MPs from the House of Commons to St Margaret's for a unique thanksgiving service to mark the end of the war. Sean also gets an exclusive insight into the workings of Parliament, meeting the chaplain to the speaker of the House of Commons and finding out about the daily tradition of opening prayers inside the chamber.

Pam Rhodes meets members of Christians in Politics, an organisation that actively seeks to bring together Christians from different political parties for prayer and fellowship. Pam also talks to Nadim and Tanya Ednan-Laperouse who, helped by the strength of their faith, campaigned for a change in legislation after the tragic death of their daughter. With hymns new and old from congregations across the UK and to celebrate Pentecost Sunday Gospel Singer of the Year, Patrice Campbell performs a special hymn invoking the power of the Holy Spirit.