A CONGREGATION turned out for a church service held in honour of the work of journalists and as a response to the atrocities carried out in Paris.

The service attended by dozens of people at All Saints Church in Main Street, Bingley, was organised by the Rev Canon Bev Mason. It was attended by civic dignitaries including Ilkley Councillor and Lord Mayor Cllr Mike Gibbons and Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr Roger L’Amie.

The Bishop of Bradford, Rt Rev Toby Howarth, said: “Good journalism always shows the complexity underneath events.

“The pen is mightier than the sword and we need to encourage journalists and people in the media to continue shining the light on difficult issues to get to the truth.”

Cllr Gibbons said: “I would like to thank the Rev Mason for putting this important service together to recognise the atrocities in Paris.”

The Rev Mason said: “We are conscious of the barbaric acts of last week in Paris at the offices of Charlie Hebdo but others too were killed or injured, Muslim, Christian, Jew and of other and no faith.”

That made “the complexities of the world we inhabit inescapable,” she said, adding: “We are standing defiantly against the hand of tyranny and evil and celebrate the priceless value of free speech.”