Your Voice Matters
The Bishop of Bristol, Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, will retire on 1st September 2025. As we prepare for this significant transition, we are inviting everyone across the Diocese of Bristol to take part in a wide-reaching consultation to help shape the future leadership of our church.
This is your opportunity to share your hopes, concerns, and vision for the next Bishop of Bristol. Whether you’re a regular churchgoer, a community leader, a young person, or someone who simply cares about the role of the Church in our society —your voice matters.
What is a Bishop and what do they do?
A bishop is a senior leader in the Church of England, responsible for overseeing the spiritual and administrative life of a diocese. They guide clergy, support parishes, and represent the Church in the wider community. The Bishop of Bristol plays a vital role in shaping the mission and ministry of the Church across Bristol, Swindon, South Gloucestershire, and North Wiltshire.
Diocesan Bishops serve all people, communities, and Church of England (CofE) churches in their diocese. They oversee the work of the diocese in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ through the life of all the CofE churches in their diocese. Bishops enable mission and oversee the running of the diocese. Following Jesus' call and empowered by the Holy Spirit, bishops bring people together and shape a Church that is united in faith and love. They are especially called to seek out people who are living in poverty, marginalised or in need, regardless of their faith. They must confront injustice and work for peace. Beyond the church, the bishop engages with groups and people in public life, offering a Christian voice and supporting initiatives that help people flourish.
What is a Vacancy in See?
A “Vacancy in See” occurs when a diocesan bishop retires, resigns, or moves to another post. During this time, a special committee - the Vacancy in See Committee (ViSC) - leads a consultation with those living and working within the area of the diocese to understand what qualities and gifts they think are needed and are important in the next bishop. This process ensures that the selection reflects the needs, challenges, and aspirations of the whole diocese.
Our approach to consultation
The Vacancy in See Committee, supported by the Diocesan Support Services (DSS), is committed to a transparent, inclusive, and accessible consultation process. We are reaching out to:
- Church communities and lay leaders
- Schools and youth groups
- People with disabilities
- Communities from diverse cultural backgrounds
- Local councils and civic partners
- Anyone who wants to have a say in the future of our diocese
We’re using a variety of engagement methods - from online surveys and creative projects to in-person focus groups - to ensure everyone can participate in a way that works for them.
What happens next?
All the feedback we receive will help shape the Statement of Needs - a key document that outlines the qualities, skills, and vision we seek in our next bishop. This will guide the Crown Nominations Commission, the panel that shortlists and interviews candidates, as they begin the formal selection process.
In September, the National Church will also run a separate consultation, and we will ensure that both processes are aligned and inclusive. The National Church will be consulting with key stakeholders across the Diocese of Bristol, as well as holding a Town Hall online meeting to allow all people to have their say in this process. More information about this meeting will be available in due course.
Key dates
5 June 2025 (12:00): Survey open
21 July 2025 (23:59): Consultation closes
September 2025: The Statement of Needs for the new Bishop of Bristol will be published.
Get involved
Contribute creatively - art, video, or written reflections welcome
Stay connected
Follow our campaign on social media using #GertBishopHunt and check back here for updates as the consultation progresses.
Together, let’s shape a future bishop who reflects the heart and hopes of our diocese.