Sidmouth: Bishop of Exeter to retire

The Bishop of Exeter has announced he will retire on 30 September.

The Right Reverend Robert Atwell was installed as bishop at Exeter Cathedral in July 2014, and has been a member of the House of Lords since November 2021.

He will be stepping back from public duties in late July. The Bishop of Crediton, the Right Reverend Jackie Searle, will be Acting Bishop of Exeter pending the appointment of the new bishop.

The Diocese of Exeter covers Devon and includes Sidmouth.

Bishop Robert said: "There is no ideal time to retire, but this seems like a sensible moment.

"I will be 69 in August. Last year I had surgery and, although it was successful, I am increasingly conscious of how precious the gift of life and health is, and I don't want to take it for granted.

"It has been an honour to serve as Bishop of Exeter in this beautiful county with so many historic and amazing churches served by faithful congregations. I have been blessed with a fantastic team of clergy colleagues and diocesan staff and I will miss working with them.

"I know the people of the diocese will continue to live out our vision to grow in prayer, make new disciples and to serve the people of Devon with joy."

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.