CAPTION: Bishop Robert swore an Oath of Allegiance while holding a copy of the New Testament (Picture: Parliamentlive.tv)
Bishop of Exeter Becomes a Member of the House of Lords
The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Robert Atwell, has become a member of the House of Lords.
Bishop Robert was introduced in a short ceremony on Monday 15 November.
It involved him swearing an Oath of Allegiance to the Crown while holding a “sacred text”.
Bishop Robert chose to hold a copy of the New Testament as became one of the Lords Spiritual in Parliament’s Upper House.
He is the Church of England’s lead bishop on Rural Affairs and said he was hoping to ensure the voice of rural and coastal communities is heard in Westminster.
He said, “Entering the House of Lords is a great privilege and I hope to be a good spokesperson for the people of Devon.
“I will be look forward to flying the flag for our rural and coastal communities in Parliament.”
He and the Bishop of Liverpool, who was also introduced at the same time, are among 26 Church of England bishops to sit in the House of Lords.
The bishops read prayers at the start of each day’s parliamentary business and play an active role in the life and work of the House, including in behind-the-scenes committee work scrutinising draft legislation.
Bishop Robert has been Bishop of Exeter, leading the Church of England in Devon, since 2014.
