Robert Atwell
British Anglican bishop and writer
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Robert Ronald Atwell (born 3 August 1954) is a British Anglican retired bishop, writer, and former Benedictine monk. From 2014 until 2023, he served as the Bishop of Exeter; from 2008 to 2014, he was Bishop of Stockport, a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Chester.
.jpg)
Robert Atwell | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Exeter | |
Bishop Atwell in 2017 | |
| Church | Church of England |
| Diocese | Diocese of Exeter |
| In office | 2014–2023 |
| Predecessor | Michael Langrish |
| Other post | Bishop of Stockport (2008–2014) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination | 1978 (deacon) 1979 (priest) by Gerald Ellison (deacon) Bill Westwood (priest) |
| Consecration | 24 June 2008 |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 3 August 1954 |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Residence | The Palace, Exeter[1] |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Durham Westcott House, Cambridge |
| Member of the House of Lords | |
| In office 15 November 2021 – 30 September 2023 | |
Early life and education
Atwell was born on 3 August 1954 in Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom.[2][3] He was educated at Wanstead High School, a comprehensive school in Wanstead, London.[3] He studied theology at St John's College, Durham, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1975.[4][1] In 1976, he entered Westcott House, Cambridge to train for the priesthood.[3][5] During his training, he spent a period of time in Rome studying at the Venerable English College, a Roman Catholic seminary, and at the Pontifical Gregorian University, a pontifical university.[4] Following his ordination, he continued his studies and completed a Master of Letters (MLitt) degree from Durham University in 1979.[1]
Ordained ministry
Atwell was ordained in the Church of England: first, made a deacon at Petertide 1978 (25 June), by Gerald Ellison, Bishop of London, at St Paul's Cathedral,[6] and then ordained a priest the following St Peter's Day (29 June 1979) by Bill Westwood, Bishop of Edmonton, at St James Muswell Hill.[7] His career began with a curacy at John Keble Church, Mill Hill in the Diocese of London from 1978 to 1981.[1][8] From 1981 to 1987, he was chaplain of Trinity College, Cambridge and a lecturer in patristics.[3][4]
In 1987, he entered the Order of St Benedict (OSB) and was granted permission to officiate in the Diocese of Oxford.[1] He spent ten years as a Benedictine monk at Burford Priory in Oxfordshire.[9][10] Though he left the OSB in 1998, he maintains his link with the Benedictines as an oblate of Bec Abbey in Normandy, France.[4]
In 1998, he left the OSB to return to parish ministry as Vicar of St Mary's Church, Primrose Hill, an Anglo Catholic parish in the Diocese of London.[4][11] He held this role from 1998 until joining the episcopate in 2008.[1][12]
Episcopal ministry
Atwell was consecrated a bishop at York Minster on 24 June 2008. He was welcomed into the Diocese of Chester as Bishop of Stockport on 27 June 2008 at Chester Cathedral.[13][14]
On 21 January 2014, it was announced that Atwell would be translated to be the Bishop of Exeter.[15] The confirmation of his election occurred on 30 April 2014.[16] He was installed at Exeter Cathedral on 5 July 2014.[4] He is also chair of the Church of England's Liturgical Commission and the lead bishop for rural affairs.[17]
On 10 September 2021, he joined the House of Lords as a Lord Spiritual.[18] He made his maiden speech on 18 November 2021 during a debate on COP 26.[19]
Atwell stepped back from public duties in July 2023,[20] before he retired from full-time ministry on 30 September 2023.[17]
Views
Atwell supports the ordination of women to the priesthood and episcopate.[21]
In 2014, he stated that he understood "marriage to be the union of one man and one woman for life, and that is the best and solid way for nurturing of children".[21] However, in 2023, he stated that he welcomes "the proposed prayers of thanksgiving, dedication and God's blessing for same sex couples": this was in reaction to the Living in Love and Faith process that concluded with the suggestion that the Church of England would introduce a service of blessing for same sex couples.[22]
Personal life
Atwell is not married.[23]
Styles
- The Reverend Robert Atwell (1978–1987)
- The Reverend Brother Robert Atwell, OSB (1987–1998)
- The Reverend Robert Atwell (1998–2008)
- The Right Reverend Robert Atwell (2008–present)
Selected works
- Atwell, Robert (1995). Spiritual Classics from the Early Church: an anthology. London: Church House Publishing. ISBN 978-0715148273.
- Atwell, Robert, ed. (1999). Celebrating the Seasons: daily spiritual readings for the Christian year. Norwich: Canterbury Press. ISBN 978-1853112492.
- Atwell, Robert, ed. (2004). Celebrating the Saints: daily spiritual readings to accompany the Calendars of the Church of England, the Church of Ireland, the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Church in Wales. Norwich: Canterbury Press. ISBN 978-1853115653.
- Atwell, Robert, ed. (2005). Remember: 100 readings for bereavement. Norwich: Canterbury Press. ISBN 978-1853116414.
- Atwell, Robert, ed. (2005). Gift: 100 readings for new parents. Norwich: Canterbury Press. ISBN 978-1853116407.
- Atwell, Robert (2011). The Contented Life: spirituality and the gift of years. Norwich: Canterbury Press. ISBN 978-1848250765.
- Atwell, Robert, ed. (2005). Love: 100 Readings for Marriage. Norwich: Canterbury Press. ISBN 978-1853116001.
- Atwell, Robert (2012). Soul Unfinished: finding happiness, taking risks, & trusting God as we grow older. Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press. ISBN 978-1612612362.
- Atwell, Robert (2013). The Good Worship Guide: leading liturgy well. London: Canterbury Press. ISBN 978-1853117190.
- Atwell, Robert (2014). Peace at the Last: Leading Funerals Well. London: Canterbury Press. ISBN 978-1848256668.
