The Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, Bishop of Bristol, was formally welcomed to the Diocese at a service in Bristol Cathedral this weekend.
Representatives of churches and communities from across the Diocese gathered to witness her enthronement on Saturday 20 October.
Bishop Viv arrived for the service aboard the Bristol Packet ship Tower Belle. She was greeted by children from local schools who accompanied her to the Cathedral, as the Bristol Easton Salvation Army band played.
She entered the Cathedral to the sound of a fanfare played by the City Trumpeters, after the ceremonial striking of the west door with her pastoral staff.
Around 700 guests, including community and faith leaders and representatives from charities and the arts, attended the service. Among those attending was the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, the Archbishop of York, the Lord Mayor of Bristol, the High Sheriffs of Bristol and Wiltshire, and the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, the Deputy Lord-Lieutenant of Wiltshire and the Lord-Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.
The Diocese of Bristol covers churches in the Church of England across Bristol, Swindon, North Wiltshire and South Gloucester.
Bishop Viv said: This is a service filled with celebration and prayer which marks the beginning of my public ministry in this Diocese. I am grateful for the many ecumenical and diocesan representatives who are supporting me in the service and will be assisting in the worship.
I do look forward with great anticipation to all that lies ahead for the Diocese of Bristol. I have been sustained by the welcome I have received and the assurance of the prayers of so many, and continue to hold the Diocese in my prayers.
- A selection of photographs from the service can be viewed on our Facebook page.