Your Voice Matters
The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull retired on 1st September 2025 from her role as Bishop of Bristol. Between 5 June and 21 July 2025, individuals living, working, and worshipping in the Diocese of Bristol were invited to participate in an online consultation survey. As well as several focus groups held with young people, and other lesser heard voices. The aim was to gather insights into the joys and challenges of diocesan life and to inform the qualities needed in the next Bishop of Bristol. The consultation reached over 1200 people, including over 420 young people from across the Diocese who took part in our Echo Focus listening programme.
The feedback from this survey has helped shape the Statement of Needs, a key document in the discernment process. This will be accompanied by a Memorandum prepared by the Appointments Committee. To support the drafting of the Memorandum, an online consultation meeting was held to hear directly from members of the Diocese.
Download the Statement of Needs here
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), carried out a transparent, inclusive, and accessible consultation process. We reached 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 used a variety of engagement methods - from online surveys and creative projects to in-person focus groups - to ensure everyone could participate in a way that worked for them.
What happens next?
All the feedback we have received has helped shape the Statement of Needs - a key document which 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 also ran a separate consultation, and we have tried to ensure that both processes are aligned and inclusive. The National Church have been 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.
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.
- Members of the Crown Nominations Committee will be hosted by the Diocese of Bristol, where they will visit key locations that reflect the geographical diversity of the Diocese as well as the key themes of Transforming Church. Together.
You can look back at the consultation campaign on social media using #GertBishopHunt. Together, we can shape a future bishop who reflects the heart and hopes of our diocese.