Downing Street has today announced that The Ven Adam Atkinson, the Archdeacon of Charing Cross, is to be the next Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford. More details on the official announcement can be found here.
Bishop Sarah paid tribute to Archdeacon Adam, saying: “I am grateful for all that Adam has given to London. In particular, I have witnessed what an enormously positive influence he has been across the Two Cities, as well as first-hand as part of The Old Deanery team.
“However, it is perhaps the image of Adam atop a piano in East London, whipping Londoners into a singing frenzy that best exemplifies his enthusiasm, and commitment to ministry and mission across the capital. His indefatigable leading of the annual Columbia Road Carols has brought happiness and the Christian message of hope to many, and it was tremendous in particular to see its return in 2022, after the pandemic – his conducting of ‘Ding Dong Merrily on High’ live on the BBC will live long in the memory!”
Archdeacon Adam said: “I want to thank my friends and colleagues in London for their friendship and, as the saying goes, partnership in the gospel for these many years. In going across to Chelmsford I hope to bring something of what I’ve witnessed and learnt from such brilliance here in London. The words trip off the tongue but it has indeed been an enormous privilege to serve alongside many remarkable people in this city of cities. My thanks in particular to Bishop Sarah for her leadership and encouragement.
“We’re all on a mission, but there is something about the particular challenges and opportunities in Bradwell, and the Holy Spirit has indicated it’s time to move from what has been home into a new land. Having said that, Heather, to whom I am married, will be continuing ministry as a Vicar in Bethnal Green, so I’ll be another commuter for now. I’d be really grateful for your prayers and, in the family of the Church, I know it’s more than just public transport which means we shall remain firmly linked.”
Adam was educated at Birmingham University, after which he worked in media before training for ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He served his title at St Paul Shadwell, in the Diocese of London, and was ordained Priest in 2008. In 2010 Adam was appointed Priest in Charge of St Peter & St Thomas Bethnal Green in the Stepney Episcopal Area of the Diocese of London.
In 2011 Adam was appointed Vicar of St Peter Bethnal Green. He additionally served as Network Chaplain, Church Revitalisation Trust from 2018 and from 2019 served as Director of Mission Development in the Two Cities Episcopal Area. In 2020 Adam was appointed Archdeacon of Charing Cross.
As Bishop of Bradwell, Adam will succeed The Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath, following his appointment as Bishop of Liverpool.