19 June 2023
Downing Street has announced that the Venerable Adam Atkinson will be the next Bishop of Bradwell, succeeding the Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath, who became Bishop of Liverpool earlier this year.
Adam is currently Archdeacon of Charing Cross in the Diocese of London, a role he has served in since March 2020. He previously served as Director of Mission Development in the Two Cities area of London Diocese and as a parish priest in Stepney.
Speaking about his appointment Adam said:
“What a joy to be invited to join in with what God is doing here in Chelmsford. I pay tribute to the clergy and lay leaders and volunteers and servants of God in the parishes and ministries of the Bradwell Area. Particular thanks to the Area Deans but also to single out Archdeacon Mike, who has shouldered so much in the last several months. I come to serve alongside you who have also been called to work for the Kingdom of God to come in Bradwell as it is in heaven.”
Welcoming Adam’s appointment, The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, the Bishop of Chelmsford said:
“I am delighted that the Venerable Adam Atkinson will be joining us in Chelmsford Diocese as the next Bishop of Bradwell. Adam brings great experience from his role as Archdeacon of Charing Cross, from his service in local parish ministry and from his work in mission development and church revitalisation. He is a priest with a great passion for mission and community service and his calling to this role is good news for the parishes of the Bradwell Area. Please join me in praying for him, and his wife Heather, as they prepare for the start of this new phase in their life and ministry.”
In an email to London Diocese, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London thanked Adam for his service saying:
“In recent years, I have worked closely with Adam as Archdeacon of Charing Cross. I have witnessed what an enormously positive influence he has been across the Two Cities Episcopal Area, as well as first-hand as part of The Old Deanery team. Before that, it was the Stepney Area that he knew, and knew him, so well, serving his title at St Paul’s Shadwell, and later becoming Vicar of St Peter Bethnal Green.
“I am grateful for all that Adam has given to London. He will leave with our deep gratitude, and prayers for his episcopacy.”
Adam will be introduced to Chelmsford Diocese and the Bradwell Area today with a visit to St Cedd’s Church of England Primary School, Bradwell where he will meet with pupils and staff. He will then meet with people from parishes and worshipping communities during visits to Maldon Quay and St Martin of Tours in Basildon.
Ahead of this morning’s announcement Adam joined Bishop Guli, Archdeacon Mike and other members of the Bishops leadership team to pray at the Chapel of St Peter-on-the-Wall, Bradwell-on-Sea, a church dating from the years 660 to 662 and among the oldest churches in England. The chapel was built by St Cedd who landed at Bradwell after sailing down the east coast of England from Lindisfarne to bring Christianity to the people of Essex.
Adam will be consecrated as Bishop of Bradwell in the Autumn and start his ministry in November.
Please share your own welcome messages with Adam on social media using #NextBishopBradwell
Adam’s video message to Chelmsford Diocese
The Ven. Adam Atkinson has recorded a video message to Chelmsford Diocese that can be watched below.
Photos from the day
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Ahead of his announcement the Ven Adam Atkinson joined Bishop Guli and Archdeacon Mike for prayers at St Peter’s Chapel, Bradwell-on-Sea.
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This morning, Bishop Guli introduced the Next Bishop of Bradwell, the Ven. Adam Atkinson to staff and pupils at St Cedd’s Primary School, Bradwell-on-Sea
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The Next Bishop of Bradwell meeting people at Maldon Quay this morning.
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Ven. Adam Atkinson, meeting people at St Martin of Tours Basildon and visiting ‘The Table’ outside the church.
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