Robert Atwell

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Template:Short description Template:EngvarB Template:Use dmy dates Script error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters". 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.[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: 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.[4][8] 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.[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.[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][11] He held this role from 1998 until joining the episcopate in 2008.[4][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.[3] 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

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References

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  1. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  2. ↑ a b c d Template:Who's Who
  3. ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  4. ↑ a b c d e Template:Crockford
  5. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  6. ↑ Template:Church Times
  7. ↑ Template:Church Times
  8. ↑ Famous London church
  9. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  10. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  11. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  12. ↑ Stockport’s “A list” Bishop
  13. ↑ Diocese of Chester Template:Mdash Introducing the man who will be the new Bishop of Stockport (Archived 13 March 2009, accessed 25 June 2017)
  14. ↑ Official announcement of appointment Template:Webarchive
  15. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  16. ↑ Diocese of Exeter – Election of new Bishop of Exeter formally confirmed (Accessed 9 May 2014)
  17. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  18. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  19. ↑ Script error: No such module "template wrapper".
  20. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  21. ↑ a b Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  22. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
  23. ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".

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Church of England titles
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Bishop of Stockport
2008–2014 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by
Preceded byTemplate:S-bef/check Bishop of Exeter
2014–2023 Template:S-ttl/check 		Template:S-aft/check Succeeded by

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