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The Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Atkinson, has announced that he will retire at the end of this year, having received the consent of both His Majesty the King and the Archbishop of Canterbury. He and his wife, Helen, plan to move to their home near Milton Keynes, returning to the Diocese of Oxford where he was first ordained 42 years ago.  

Announcing his retirement, Bishop Richard reflected on his 14 years of ministry in the Diocese of St Albans: 

“It has been a huge privilege and joy to serve our diocese and its parishes, schools and chaplaincies over the last fourteen years. At the heart of this has been our shared commitment to Living God’s Love, through going deeper into God, making new disciples and transforming our communities.”  

He also paid tribute to the many partnerships and ministries he has been involved in, including the work of the Diocesan Board of Education, the Diocesan Mission and Pastoral Committee, and his national responsibilities relating to interfaith work and disability.  

Reflecting on his time as Bishop of Bedford, Bishop Richard said: 

“Being Bishop of Bedford has immersed me in the life of the county, and I am deeply grateful for partnership with so many, as was expressed so powerfully at the service of reflection and prayer one week on from the Bedford Rail Crash.”  

Bishop Richard has also served as Acting Bishop of St Albans during the vacancy in see. Looking ahead to the arrival of the new diocesan bishop, he said: 

“It has been a special responsibility to be Acting Bishop of St Albans for the last year. I look forward to welcoming and working with Bishop Andrew. I am only sorry that it won’t be for longer.”  

Responding to the announcement, Bishop Andrew said: 

“Bishop Richard has been a wise and faithful shepherd of the Church in this diocese. A splendid advocate for Bedfordshire, he has truly pursued ‘all that makes for peace and builds up our common life’. I would like to pay particular tribute to Bishop Richard’s leadership as Acting Bishop of St Albans during the recent vacancy-in-see, for which I am extremely grateful.”  

Bishop Andrew added that Bishop Richard is “well-loved and widely admired” and will be greatly missed, offering his warm good wishes and prayers for the months ahead.  

Bishop Richard will continue in his ministry across the Diocese until his retirement in December. Details of opportunities to give thanks for his ministry and say farewell will be shared in due course. 

About Bishop Richard

Bishop Richard has served as Bishop of Bedford since 2012 and as Acting Bishop of St Albans during the recent vacancy-in-see. Over four decades of ordained ministry he has become known for his leadership in education, disability inclusion, social justice and interfaith engagement. Nationally he has served as the Church of England’s lead bishop for the ministry of and amongst Deaf and disabled people, while within the Diocese he has chaired the Board of Education and helped shape partnerships with schools, parishes and communities across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and beyond.

Last year, Bishop Richard reflected on 40 years of ordained ministry.