Tomorrow morning, more than 100 members of the Bradford Diocese gather at Skipton for a meeting of the Diocesan Synod.

This church parliament is Bishop David James’s penultimate one before his retirement in the summer (his final one will be in Bingley on June 19), after eight years leading one of England’s more interesting dioceses.

“It’s one of the smallest in terms of population, but geographically one of the most far-flung – about 80 miles from Oakenshaw in the south to Sedbergh in Cumbria,” said Malcolm Halliday, diocesan secretary for the past 25 years, who retires next month. He was accepted for the job four days before the Bradford City fire on May 11, 1985.

“When I went back to London, friends said, ‘Bradford? Where’s that?’. On the Saturday everyone the world over knew where Bradford was,” he added.

Over the last 25 turbulent years of Bradford’s history, Philip Lewis has been adviser to three bishops: the Right Reverends Roy Williamson, David Smith and David James. He said: “Bishop David is faithful about the tradition but open to new challenges, resourcing the churches to respond appropriately to religious diversity and levering in clergy from across the world.

“In Manningham, we have a priest from Pakistan and a priest from India, Arun John, who gets people from all faiths and agencies together every two months to look at local issues.

“Bishop David sees openness to other faiths as part of the Christian vocation as Christians learn to respond to challenges from other faiths. He sees challenges as a way of deepening Christian faith.

“When the Bishop asks leaders of other faiths to speak to him about issues, they refer to him as ‘our bishop’. As an Anglican bishop, you are meant to reflect the concerns of all faiths. I have always thought that was the role of the established church; that’s why we have community schools to serve the whole community.”

The usual image of churchgoing is that, by and large, most traditional churches are virtually empty. But on the back of reported growth in church attendance – two per cent more on Sundays, five per cent more in average weekly attendance and more than nine per cent for High Church services – the Synod will discuss how best to capitalise on this trend, especially with regard to young people.

To what does Philip attribute the rise in attendance among adults in the Bradford Diocese?

“The Anglican Church has a good track record of caring for the vulnerable, such as asylum seekers. It’s always done that. Part of its mission is that it’s in it for the long haul. It does its work quietly.

“I think there’s a loss of confidence in alternatives to religion. In the past we had confidence in political ideology and an uncritical faith in science. My sense is that it looks a bit tawdry now. These alternatives no longer seem persuasive in a more insecure world.”

Bradford Cathedral has made great efforts to open up to people beyond the stalwarts of the regular communion, hosting chamber concerts, art exhibitions and lectures on topical subjects.

One of those instrumental in encouraging a broader approach is Canon Frances Ward. She is not out to create a kind of secular alternative to traditional religious practice.

She said: “The Cathedral stands for belief in God and delight in beauty and the arts. We’ve extended hospitality to Muslims and young people. People are now starting to think that coming to Evensong on a Sunday afternoon is really important to reflect on the things of the spirit.”

And the future of the Bradford Diocese after Bishop David retires in the summer?

Philip Lewis said: “It may be slightly reshaped but, as far as I know, the Bradford Diocese will not be merged with another and we will have another bishop.”

On March 21, at 4pm, there will be a special service of thanks to retiring diocesan secretary Malcolm Halliday at the Cathedral at which Bradford’s last three bishops – all of whom Malcolm has served – will preach.