The Rt Rev Vivienne Faull has announced she’s going to step down as Bishop of Bristol in September of this yr, describing her seven years within the role as a “beautiful coda” to her long ministry.
Bishop Viv, who took up the position in October 2018 after serving because the Dean of York, has been a guiding presence for parishes across Bristol, Swindon, Gloucestershire, and Wiltshire.
After 42 years in full-time ministry, she informed her parishioners: “The time has come for a rest.”
The word “coda” comes from music and refers to a concluding passage that brings a chunk to a satisfying end. Bishop Faull used it to explain the ultimate stage of her profession.
Reflecting on her journey, she spoke warmly of the communities she has served throughout her profession. “I even have revelled in each of the places and communities to which God has called me and have been enriched by all of them,” she said.
Her connection to Bristol is especially personal, as she explained: “My seven years in Bristol, where my mother – an awesome campaigner for the ordination of girls – was born, baptised and confirmed, has been a gorgeous coda.”
“I’ll leave this generous, creative, brave and open diocese with deep gratitude for all that, in the facility of the Holy Spirit, we now have learnt and transformed together,” she added.
A special farewell service can be held at Bristol Cathedral in August to mark her departure. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Bristol has confirmed that the means of appointing her successor is now underway.
