At the July 2025 sessions of the General Synod in York, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, delivered a heartfelt farewell to Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, marking her final appearance at General Synod before retirement in September.

In a speech filled with deep appreciation, Archbishop Cottrell praised Bishop Viv’s decades of service to the Church, highlighting her pioneering leadership and unwavering dedication. He reflected on her historic role as the first female Cathedral Provost, and subsequently Dean, in the Church of England, amongst "so many" other firsts as one of the pioneering female priests of her generation.

A sincere tribute

The Archbishop of York said: "With Viv come so many “firsts”, as one of the great pioneering female priests and now bishops of her generation. When Viv began her studies at Saint John's College, she became the first woman to be paid by the Church of England to do so.

"Viv was also the first female chaplain of an Oxbridge college. In 2000 Viv was the first and only female Cathedral Provost and following the Cathedrals Measure 1999 became the first female Dean in the Church of England. Since that appointment, Viv has faithfully ministered as Dean of York and among the first generation of female bishops and the first female Bishop of Bristol, since 2018.

"Viv, words fail us in paying tribute to the huge blessings and pioneering spirit and all that you have brought to the Church of England. We thank you for your work in Bristol, up and down the country, in this chamber and in the House of Lords. We thank God for your ministry and we wish you and Michael all the very best for the future."

Watch the farewell below

Full reports, recordings, and documents from the July 2025 General Synod can be accessed on the Church of England’s website using the links below.

Watch the livestream from General Synod on demand  Read the General Synod papers