Celebrating 95 years

The Diocese of Bradford was created out of

part of the original Diocese

of Ripon

St Peter’s Church became the Cathedral

In 95 years, a lot has changed.

The children in our church schools look different . . .

Cullingworth 1922

Austwick 2013

. . . and so do the clergy.

1936

2009

And modes of transport have changed . . .

Bishop Ross Hook Bishop Roy Williamson

We’ve had 10 bishops. Here’s three of them:

Arthur Blunt

He was said to have precipitated the abdication of Edward VIII when he criticised the king in his diocesan synod address in 1936. (Blunt by name . . . )

Donald Coggan(1956-61)

He becameArchbishop of Yorkand thenArchbishop of Canterbury

Geoffrey Paul

Installed on a snowy day in 1981, he died after only two years in office.

Geoffrey Paul’s daughter, Jane, married Rowan Williams (the former Archbishop of Canterbury) in Heaton Parish Church.

We’ve had our share of royal visits:

In 1997 the Queen distributed her Maundy money at the Cathedral.

Prince Charles came to Cottingley in 2002 for the re-dedication of the vandalised war memorial at

St Michael and All Angels.

And he returned in 2008 to open the Cottingley Cornerstone Centre.

And we’ve had numerous visits from Archbishops:

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, in 2008 and 2013

Rowan and Jane Williams came on the 25th anniversary of Bishop Geoffrey Paul’s death.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu visited Bradford City’s Valley Parade in 1988 - three years after the devastating fire there.

Social Action

We’ve always had a strong focus on social action. Last year, think tank Respublica said: “The Diocese of Bradford exemplifies the

merits of the Big Society. The people involved are a shining light in our community and we need more like them.”

Interfaith work

The diocese has been in the vanguard of interfaith work.

Dr Phil Lewis was appointed as Interfaith Adviser 26 years ago, and the work here is seen as a model for other dioceses.

In 2001, when ethnic tensions led to rioting in Bradford, Bishop David Smith went on to the streets of Manningham and appealed for calm.

Much work has been done since to create greater harmony in the region.

From talks between faith leaders . . .

. . . to simple bonds

of friendship

Millennium Walk

In 2000, a specially-made 'processional cross' was carried through the diocese to mark the new millennium.

Foot and Mouth Crisis

Many rural parishes were severely affected by the Foot & Mouth crisis. Farmers still express gratitude that, in 2007,

Bishop David James phoned them when they discovered their cattle were to be slaughtered the next day.

Overseas Links

We have three links with churches overseas. They are mutually supportive relationships of prayer and exchange visits - and in the case of Sudan, financial support, as the church there helps those suffering in the civil war.

Link with Sudan from 1983 . . .

Link with Southwestern Virginia (USA) from 1976

Link with Erfurt (in former East Germany) from 1997

Our buildings have changed over the years

Here’s Christ Church, Skipton before it was reordered . . .

. . . and after

And weddings look different now . . .

Cullingworth 1959

Bolton Priory 2008

But however life changes, God remains the same, and the expression of faith in our churches will carry on:

Including worship; in all its forms . . .

Diocesan Day (we’ve had 7)

Our work with children and young people

And our churches will remain at the heart of our communities . . .

As we welcome people to join us in our life of

faith . . .

Sometimes going out to them . . .

And often there’s food involved

and there’s always tea . . .

Our dedicated readers and clergy will continue to serve in many ways. Some of them unexpected . . .

But of course the Church’s witness is dependant on the voluntary work done by so many of its members, who practically live out

their faith for the good of all in their communities. Thank you!

Our broadcasting flair will also continue: The first radio broadcast of a complete Holy Communion service came from Bradford Cathedral in 1949, and on Palm Sunday 2014, BBC1’s Songs of Praise comes from the cathedral.

So, there was the first Bishop of Bradford -

Arthur Perowne (1920-31)

and the last Bishop of Bradford, Nick Baines.

And the last shall be first - the first Bishop of Leeds.

So, as we become part of a brand new diocese, let’s pray that this region will know God’s blessing

as we serve people together in theDiocese of West Yorkshire & the Dales.