29 September 2023
The next Bishop of Bradwell, The Rt Revd Adam Atkinson has been consecrated as a Bishop at Westminster Abbey during a service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Adam has most recently served as Archdeacon of Charing Cross in the Diocese of London and was previously Director of Mission Development in the Two Cities area of London Diocese. He has also served as a parish priest in Stepney. His appointment as the next Bishop of Bradwell was announced on 19 June during a visit to churches and schools in the Bradwell Episcopal Area.
Speaking ahead of Adam’s consecration, the Bishop of Chelmsford, the Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani said:
“We are looking forward to this special service and to welcoming Adam to Chelmsford Diocese as Bishop of Bradwell. He will be joining a wonderful team of clergy and lay people who faithfully lead our churches in the Bradwell Area. His experience as Archdeacon of Charing Cross and his work in mission development and church revitalisation, together with his passion for mission and community service will be a great blessing to our diocese as we continue to serve our local communities and to share the love and good news of Jesus Christ.”
The Archbishop of Canterbury consecrated two other bishops at the service at Westminster Abbey. The Rt Revd Paul Davies will serve as the next Bishop of Dorking in the Diocese of Guildford and the Rt Revd Ian Bishop will serve as the next Bishop of Thetford in the Diocese of Norwich
Speaking ahead of the service, Adam said:
“I’m looking forward to Friday’s service of consecration with a great sense of joy and anticipation as I prepare to take up the role of Bishop of Bradwell and follow God’s call to join the parishes and worshipping communities of the Bradwell Area. I’m delighted that people from across Chelmsford Diocese will be present at Westminster Abbey and it will be a privilege to be consecrated alongside Paul and Ian. Please do pray for me and all the people of God in the Bradwell Area as we seek to follow Jesus together.”
Adam will be officially welcomed into Chelmsford Diocese as the Bishop of Bradwell at a service at Chelmsford Cathedral on Saturday 4 November. The service will also see the welcome and licensing the new Archdeacon of Stansted, the Revd Kate Peacock and the new Archdeacon of Chelmsford, the Revd Jonathan Croucher.
Adam will begin his ministry in November.
Adam succeeds the Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath, who became Bishop of Liverpool earlier this year.
About Adam
The Venerable Adam Atkinson has most recently served as Archdeacon of Charing Cross in the Diocese of London.
Adam was ordained Deacon in 2007 and Priest in 2008. After serving a curacy in Shadwell he was a Vicar in East London for 9 years and Mission Director for the Two Cities Area from 2019.
Before ordination Adam worked in media consultancy in the private and third sectors and briefly served as an Army Officer. He is married to Heather who is a priest serving in Bethnal Green.