Xerochrysum Bracteatum

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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.

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.

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f "Robert Ronald Atwell". Crockford's Clerical Directory (online ed.). Church House Publishing. Retrieved 25 June 2017.
  2. ^ "Diocese of Chester — Who's Who". Archived from the original on 19 January 2012. Retrieved 8 October 2010.
  3. ^ a b c d "Atwell, Robert Ronald". Who's Who. Vol. 2017 (November 2016 online ed.). A & C Black. Retrieved 25 June 2017. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
  4. ^ a b c d e f "The Bishop of Exeter". Bishop of Exeter & Senior Staff. Diocese of Exeter. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  5. ^ "'Essex boy' faces wait for seat in House of Lords". Mid Devon Gazette. 22 January 2014.
  6. ^ "Ordinations". Church Times. No. 6020. 30 June 1978. p. 8. ISSN 0009-658X. Retrieved 25 June 2017 – via UK Press Online archives.
  7. ^ "Petertide ordinations". Church Times. No. 6073. 6 July 1979. p. 17. ISSN 0009-658X. Retrieved 25 June 2017 – via UK Press Online archives.
  8. ^ Famous London church
  9. ^ "Ten years as a monk: Meet the new Bishop of Exeter". ITV News. 21 January 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  10. ^ Wyatt, Tim (24 January 2014). "Atwell to be Bishop of Exeter". Church Times. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  11. ^ "Our Church: Our History". St Mary's, Primrose Hill. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
  12. ^ Stockport’s “A list” Bishop
  13. ^ Diocese of Chester — Introducing the man who will be the new Bishop of Stockport (Archived 13 March 2009, accessed 25 June 2017)
  14. ^ Official announcement of appointment Archived 2 April 2012 at the Wayback Machine
  15. ^ "Diocese of Exeter | Welcome". Archived from the original on 2 February 2014.
  16. ^ Diocese of Exeter – Election of new Bishop of Exeter formally confirmed (Accessed 9 May 2014)
  17. ^ a b "Bishop of Exeter Announces Retirement". Diocese of Exeter. 10 May 2023. Archived from the original on 13 May 2023. Retrieved 17 May 2023.
  18. ^ "The Lord Bishop of Exeter: Parliamentary career". MPs and Lords. UK Parliament. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  19. ^ The Lord Bishop of Exeter (18 November 2021). "Climate Change: COP 26". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). Vol. 816. United Kingdom: House of Lords. col. 437–438.
  20. ^ "Bishop of Exeter announces retirement". BBC News. 10 May 2023. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  21. ^ a b "Right Reverend Robert Attwell backs women bishops". BBC News. 21 January 2014. Retrieved 9 December 2016.
  22. ^ Axford, Chloe (20 January 2023). "Bishops Respond to Living in Love and Faith Proposals". Diocese of Exeter. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  23. ^ "Exeter, Bishop of, (Rt Rev. Robert Ronald Atwell) (born 3 Aug. 1954)". Who's Who 2023. Oxford University Press. 1 December 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
Church of England titles
Preceded by Bishop of Stockport
2008–2014 		Succeeded by
Preceded by Bishop of Exeter
2014–2023 		TBA
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