Cardinal Newman

In Beyond Belief, Ernie Rea and his guests explore the place of faith in our complex world. Ernie is joined by three guests who discuss how their own religious tradition affects their values and outlook on the world, often revealing hidden and contradictory truths. In this edition, Ernie and guests discuss the life, beliefs and enduring legacy of Cardinal Newman, who will be beatified by Pope Benedict XVI in the Archdiocese of Birmingham during his state visit. John Henry Newman converted from Anglicanism to Catholicism and went on to become a Cardinal in 1879. He was the founder of the Oratories of St Philip Neri, in Birmingham (where he lived until his death on August 11 1890) and in London. Newman's aim was to describe and inspire the Christian mind. His vocation was to help modern people realise the demands of thinking and acting with the mind of Christ and his Church. And it is this legacy which endures today. Newman will become the first non-martyr saint in England since the Reformation, and de facto the patron saint of converts. Producer: Karen Maurice.