A church service to honour the work of journalists and celebrate the importance of free speech will take place at All Saints Church, Main Street, Bingley this week. The Pen is Mightier than the Sword service will provide space to reflect upon the recent shocking events that have taken place in Paris and there will be prayers for people of all faith and no faith.
The vicar of All Saints Parish Church Bingley, the Rev Bev Mason will take a service drawing on text used at the journalists’ church St Bride’s, London and with contributions from local politicians and media representatives. The Lord Mayor of Bradford will be in attendance, together with the Bishop of Bradford, who will be giving an address.
The service is at 7pm on Thursday, January 15th – and the invitation is extended to all.
Below is a section from the St Bride’s text:
“Journalists, cameramen and support staff have always been casualties during the conflicts they are sent to cover.
“In recent years more journalists than ever have lost their lives and in many parts of the world are now regarded as "legitimate targets" within the conflict zones of the world.
“The atrocious executions of journalists have further challenged us to comprehend the extremes of human behaviour.
“On this sad and proud day, we celebrate the courage, and we mourn the tragic loss of those who have committed their lives to giving a voice to the voiceless, and to telling stories and shedding light that would otherwise remain untold and hidden.”