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Robert Atwell
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 educationAtwell 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 ministryAtwell 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 ministryAtwell 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] ViewsAtwell 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 lifeAtwell is not married.[23] Styles
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