CAPTION: Bishop Robert is preparing to step down after a decade in the role
Bishop of Exeter Prepares to Hand Back Crozier at Farewell Service
Hundreds of people are expected to attend a farewell service for the Bishop of Exeter at Exeter Cathedral on Sunday 17 September at 3pm.
Representatives from organisations across Devon have also been invited.
The Rt. Rev’d Robert Atwell is retiring after nearly a decade as Devon’s most senior bishop, after being installed at Exeter Cathedral in July 2014.
During the service, Bishop Robert will hand back the Diocesan Crozier (the bishop’s ceremonial staff) to the Dean of Exeter Cathedral. The Dean will lay it down on the altar, symbolically marking the end of Bishop Robert’s tenure.
During his farewell service, the Bishop of Exeter will give back the Diocesan Crozier.
In another poignant moment, Bishop Robert will say Bishop Leofric’s blessing. Leofric became the first Bishop of Exeter in 1047, and his words have been used by his successors for centuries.
Bishop Robert said: “As I move into retirement, I take with me a treasure trove of happy memories.
“This is an amazing diocese and county, with a generous and entrepreneurial spirit.
“It has been a huge privilege to be Bishop of Exeter. The people of Devon will always have a special place in my affections.
“I leave with a heart full of thanksgiving to God.”
Bishop Robert in the House of Lords
Bishop Robert will also be stepping down as a member of the House of Lords and as Patron of Plymouth Marjon University and trustee of a number of Devon charities.
“Bishop Robert has been a constant support to YMCA Exeter over his seven years of service and has helped us raise the plight of homeless young people in Exeter,” said Gareth Sorsby, YMCA Exeter Joint CEO.
“He has been a faithful friend, loyal supporter and wise advisor.”
Bishop Robert studied theology at St John’s College, Durham, before training for ordination in Cambridge and Rome. He served as a curate in the Diocese of London before returning to Cambridge as chaplain of Trinity College for six years and teaching early Christian life and thought.
He spent 10 years as a Benedictine monk in Oxfordshire, returning to parish ministry in London’s Primrose Hill. He was appointed Bishop of Stockport in 2008.
Bishop Robert launching Devon Pilgrim at the Devon County Show
During his time as Bishop of Exeter, he championed the role of the rural church, instigating the Growing the Rural Church project and most recently editing the book How Village Churches Thrive.
His time in office has also seen the development of the Devon Pilgrim project, the Devon Church Weddings project and social justice work through Transforming Plymouth Together. He steered Devon’s 600 Anglican churches through the Covid-19 Pandemic and subsequent recovery.
Annie Jefferies, who represents lay people in the Diocese of Exeter, said “This will be a wonderful service of music and celebration for the time that Bishop Robert has been our Diocesan Bishop.
“We will miss him greatly for his pastoral care, inspiration, leadership and good humour in promoting and encouraging the laity across Devon.
“The most poignant element of the service will be the placing of the Bishop’s Crozier on the altar, I guess at this point many of us will reaching for our tissues….but we wish Bishop Robert happiness and good health in his retirement. “
The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt. Rev’d Jackie Searle, will be Acting Bishop of Exeter pending the appointment of the new bishop.
The vacancy process is expected to take about 14 months.
