Bishop announces retirement after 'beautiful coda'

The Bishop of Bristol has announced her retirement, describing her seven years in post as a "beautiful coda".

The Right Reverend Vivienne Faull was enthroned as the 56th Bishop of Bristol in October 2018, having previously served as the Dean of York.

Bishop Viv, who has provided guidance to parishes across Bristol, Swindon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire, will step down on 1 September.

"The time has come for a rest," she said.

Bishop Viv has spent 42 years in full-time ministry and has been a member of the House of Lords since 2021.

"I have revelled in each of the places and communities to which God has called me and have been enriched by them all," she said.

"My seven years in Bristol, where my mother – a great campaigner for the ordination of women – was born, baptised and confirmed, has been a beautiful coda.

"I will leave this generous, creative, brave and open diocese with deep gratitude for all that, in the power of the Holy Spirit, we have learnt and transformed together," she added.

A special farewell service will be held at Bristol Cathedral in August.

The Diocese of Bristol said the process of identifying the next Bishop of Bristol will now begin.

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