Robert Paterson (bishop)

Robert Mar Erskine Paterson (born 27 February 1949) is a British Anglican bishop. He was the Bishop of Sodor and Man in the Church of England from 2008 until his retirement in 2016.

Early life and education

Paterson was born on 27 February 1949 in Cardiff, Wales.^[2] Educated at King Henry VIII School, Coventry and St John's College, Durham, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1971.^[2][3] jHe then spent a year training for ordained ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham (part of St John's College, Durham), and he completed a Diploma in Theology (DipTh) in 1972.^[2][3] He wrote a thesis for a Master of Arts (MA) degree from Durham University in 1983.

Ordained ministry

From 1972 to 1973 he was a curate in Manchester and then transferred to the Church in Wales where he undertook a further curacy in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon from 1973 to 1978. From 1978 to 1983 he was Rector of two parishes and World Mission Officer. From 1983 to 1994 he was a Vicar in Cardiff and then Team Rector until 2000 in Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan. From 2000 to 2006 he was Principal Officer of the Church in Wales Council for Mission and Ministry. He has served on a number of national and international bodies, and has been Vice Chair of the Anglican Primates' working group on theological education. In 2004 he was made a canon of the Province of Wales.^[4] He was appointed chaplain and researcher to John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, in 2006.

Episcopal ministry

Paterson was nominated as the next Bishop of Sodor and Man in 2008^[5] to replace Graeme Knowles. The appointment was confirmed by Letters Patent issued by Elizabeth II on 18 April 2008.^[6] He was consecrated as a bishop on 25 April 2008 at York Minster.^[7] He was enthroned Bishop and Dean of Sodor and Man on 14 June 2008 at St German's Cathedral in Peel, Isle of Man.^[8][9]

He retired from full-time ministry on 11 November 2016.^[10] He is an assistant bishop in the Dioceses of Worcester and Hereford.

Other works

He is author of a number of books on liturgy and preaching and his interests include current affairs, early music, literature, walking, cycling and the countryside. As the island's bishop, he sat ex officio on the Legislative Council and Tynwald Court and was required to vote on all matters. Throughout his period of office Paterson spoke in Tynwald particularly on ethical issues concerning international aid, a register of beneficial ownership, family life and the rights of minorities.

Styles

• The Reverend Robert Paterson (1972–2004)
• The Reverend Canon Robert Paterson (2004–2008)
• The Right Reverend Robert Paterson (2008–present)

References