Judges and lawyers filed into Bradford Cathedral for the district's annual Legal Service which celebrated the judiciary's close links to the Church of England.
Dean Jerry Lepine welcomed a large gathering which also included the West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Mark Burns Williamson, Lord Mayor of Bradford, Cllr Abid Hussain, Leader of Bradford Council, Susan Hinchcliffe and senior West Yorkshire police officers.
Dean Jerry said the service was an opportunity to renew personal commitments to the pursuit of truth and justice.
One of its special prayers reads:
"Merciful God, bless all who work for justice in this city, district and throughout West Yorkshire.
"We remember before you our colleagues of all professions who seek to help those who struggle to find a right direction in life.
"Guide us as we make decisions about the lives and deaths of others, that we may show forth your wisdom and compassion."
Bishop Nick gave the sermon and stressed that it was not merely the rule of law which can allows for positive freedoms, but rather the rule of good law.
He said working in the House of Lords made him admire those who fight for clear and precise legislation."I love lawyers. The law must live and inspire life - a good and just society depends on it," he said.
His Honour Judge Neil Davey QC, pictured below, who sits on the Bradford Circuit, said the service had brought back childhood memories.
"52 years ago I was a Bradford Grammar schoolboy and sang the Te Deum we heard this morning, here in the Cathedral.
"It was wonderful to hear it again - and I could still remember it word for word."
