Robert Atwell
| The Right Reverend Robert Atwell | |
|---|---|
| Bishop of Exeter | |
| Diocese | Diocese of Exeter |
| In office | 2014–present |
| Predecessor | Michael Langrish |
| Other posts | Bishop of Stockport (June 2008–2014) |
| Orders | |
| Ordination |
1978 (deacon) 1979 (priest) |
| Consecration | 24 June 2008 |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
3 August 1954 Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom |
| Nationality | British |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| Residence | Bishop's Palace, Cathedral Close, Exeter |
| Alma mater | St John's College, Durham |
Robert Ronald Atwell (born 3 August 1954) is a British Anglican bishop and writer. Since April 2014, he has been 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.[1][2] He was educated at Wanstead High School, a comprehensive school in Wanstead, London.[2] He studied theology at St John's College, Durham, and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1975.[3][4] In 1976, he entered Westcott House, Cambridge to train for the priesthood.[2][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.[3] Following his ordination, he continued his studies and completed a Master of Letters (MLitt) degree from Durham University in 1979.[4]
Ordained ministry
Atwell was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1978 and as a priest in 1979.[4] His career began with a curacy at John Keble Church, Mill Hill in the Diocese of London from 1978 to 1981.[4][6] From 1981 to 1987, he was chaplain of Trinity College, Cambridge and a lecturer in patristics.[2][3]
In 1987, he entered the Order of St Benedict (OSB) and was granted Permission to officiate in the Diocese of Oxford.[4] He spent ten years as a Benedictine monk at Burford Priory in Oxfordshire.[7] Though he left the OSB in 1998, he maintains his link with the Benedictines as an oblate of Bec Abbey in Normandy, France.[3]
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.[3][8] He held this role from 1998 until joining the episcopate in 2008.[4][9]
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.[10][11]
On 21 January 2014 it was announced that Atwell would be translated to be the Bishop of Exeter.[12] The confirmation of his election occurred on 30 April 2014.[13] He was installed at Exeter Cathedral on 5 July 2014.[3]
Personal life
Atwell is unmarried.[14]
Styles
- The Reverend Robert Atwell (1978–2008)
- 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.). 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
- ↑ Diocese of Chester — Who's Who
- 1 2 3 4 Who's Who 2012 – STOCKPORT, Bishop Suffragan of
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "The Bishop of Exeter". Bishop of Exeter & Senior Staff. Diocese of Exeter. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
- 1 2 3 4 5 6 "R. R. Atwell". Crockford's Clerical Directory (online ed.). Church House Publishing. Retrieved 2 August 2015. (subscription required)
- ↑ "'Essex boy' faces wait for seat in House of Lords". Mid Devon Gazette. 22 January 2014.
- ↑ Famous London church
- ↑ Wyatt, Tim (24 January 2014). "Atwell to be Bishop of Exeter". Church Times. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
- ↑ "Our Church: Our History". St Mary's, Primrose Hill. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
- ↑ Stockport’s “A list” Bishop
- ↑ Community News Group — Stockport's new bishop announced
- ↑ Official announcement of appointment
- ↑ http://www.exeter.anglican.org/index.cfm?page=news.story&newsid=638
- ↑ Diocese of Exeter – Election of new Bishop of Exeter formally confirmed (Accessed 9 May 2014)
- ↑ "Ten years as a monk: Meet the new Bishop of Exeter". ITV News. 21 January 2014. Retrieved 2 August 2015.
| Church of England titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Nigel Stock |
Bishop of Stockport 2008–2014 |
Succeeded by Libby Lane |
| Preceded by Michael Langrish |
Bishop of Exeter 2014–present |
Incumbent |
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