THE Queen has appointed the Dean of York, the Very Revd Dr Vivienne Faull, as the 57th Bishop of Bristol.

Dr Faull was the first woman to lead a Church of England Cathedral as Provost and then Dean of Leicester in 2000, before being appointed Dean of York in 2012.

Her mother was brought up in Bristol and Dr Faull said: “This is where my family comes from, and so coming here feels like I am returning home.

“It was 24 years ago that Bristol was the first diocese to ordain women as priests, and I want the Diocese to continue to show that pioneering courage.

“I look forward to leading a church that shows the love of Christ to everyone, whoever they are.

“The main tasks for the new Bishop are to broaden the outreach of the church and to link with wider civil society in Bristol, Swindon and (as they say in the Diocese) along the M4 corridor.

“But alongside the delight there is the sadness of leaving the Minster and York, and in particular the volunteers, worshippers and staff.

“It has been wonderful to lead this great community in inviting everyone to discover God’s love."

Dr Faull became a controversial figure after she supported the dismissal of 30 bell ringers at the Minster in 2016.

More than 17,000 people signed a petition calling for them to be reinstated but the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, backed the decision by the Dean of York, the Very Reverend Vivienne Faull, and chapter.

She will now succeed the Right Reverend Michael Arthur Hill and will be consecrated Bishop at a service at St Paul’s Cathedral on 3 July.

The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd John Sentamu, said: “I rejoice with the Diocese of Bristol that Her Majesty the Queen has accepted the nomination of the Dean of York, the Very Revd Vivienne Faull, to be the 57th Bishop of Bristol.

"Dean Faull leads by following Jesus’ way with insight and oversight, with a readiness to be led as well as to lead. She has been a great Dean for York, taking risks for the Kingdom of God, for example persuading the Dean and Chapter to put on the Mystery Plays inside the Minster.

"She has made the Minster a great home of hospitality, worship and friendliness.

"A comment I will never forget was made by the head of one of the Minster’s biggest departments who had been prepared for confirmation. I asked “Why confirmation now?” and the reply came back with a beaming smile, “Because the Dean has, and is, making God credible and believable.

"Dean Viv will leave us with our prayers and love, and I am sure she knows that she will be greatly missed."