In Detail... - 1. Viraj and the Vicar
Download 1. Viraj and the Vicar
In 1986, Sri Lankan Viraj Mendis faces imminent deportation and seeks the ancient rite of Sanctuary in the Ascension Church in Hulme, Greater Manchester, run by traditional vicar Father John Methuen.
Father John agrees to protect him despite Sanctuary no longer having legal validity. The decision kicks off a relationship and a gamble bigger than both of them. It begins a culture war which will also see the church go head to head with the State.
Father Azariah France-Williams, the current rector of the Ascension Church, goes on a journey of discovery about his predecessor and the man he sheltered from the authorities.
Presenter: Father Azariah France-Williams.
Producer: Jen Dale.
Sound design: Kasel Kundola.
Online producer: Rachael Smith.
Executive producer: Ciaran Tracey.
Additional sound recording by Seb Rabas, Graham Kirk and Jan Seebeck. Original material recorded and licensed by Big City Nights.
Executive editor: Andrew Bowman.
Commissioning editor: Alistair Miskin.
Photograph of Viraj Mendis: Paul Mattsson.
Audio from VMDC campaign video: Revolutionary Communist Group.
Published on Tuesday, 30th September 2025.
Available Podcasts from In Detail...
We are not the BBC, we only list available podcasts. To find out more about the programme including episodes available on BBC iPlayer, go to the In Detail... webpage.