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.^[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 Exeter
Exeter Cathedral The Palace, Exeter The Old Deanery, Exeter
Office holders	Robert Atwell, Bishop of Exeter Nick McKinnel, Bishop suffragan of Plymouth Sarah Mullally, Bishop suffragan of Crediton AEO: Jonathan Goodall, Bishop suffragan of Ebbsfleet Jonathan Draper, Dean of Exeter Ian Chandler, Archdeacon of Plymouth Christopher Futcher, Archdeacon of Exeter Mark Butchers, Archdeacon of Barnstaple Douglas Dettmer, Archdeacon of Totnes
Selected deaneries	Deanery of Barnstaple Deanery of Cadbury Deanery of Christianity (Exeter) Deanery of Hartland
Historic offices	Archdeacon of Cornwall (11th century – 1876; became the Diocese of Truro)