Robert Atwell

Robert Ronald Atwell (born 3 August 1954) is a British Anglican bishop, writer, and former Benedictine monk. 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.^[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]

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