Farewell service for Bristol's first female bishop

Farewell for Bristol’s First Female Bishop – Vivienne Faull

Key Points:

• Vivienne Faull, the first woman to serve as Bishop of Bristol, is retiring on 1 September after 7 years as bishop and 42 years in full-time ministry.
• A farewell service will be held at Bristol Cathedral, attended by clergy, congregation members, and colleagues from across the UK.
• She will hand over the ceremonial staff to the Vice Dean, marking the end of her episcopal ministry.
• Bishop Neil Warwick, Bishop of Swindon, will act as diocesan bishop until her successor is appointed.
• Bishop Viv’s tenure is noted for vision, compassion, and advocacy for marginalized voices, as well as her work in the House of Lords on issues like modern slavery.
• She launched the “Transforming Church. Together” strategy in 2021 to strengthen church communities.
• Bishop Viv expressed deep gratitude for her time in Bristol, where her mother—an advocate for women’s ordination—was born and baptized.

Significance:

• Vivienne Faull is a trailblazer for women in ministry, inspiring female clergy since the 1980s.
• She leaves a legacy of inclusive leadership and community transformation.

Updated - 1 Sept 2025 ; 2:30 PM | BBC