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 (1954-08-03) 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

Selected works

References

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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