Rob Munro

Robert Speight Munro (born 8 May 1963) is a British bishop in the Church of England. Since 2023, he has been Bishop of Ebbsfleet, the provincial episcopal visitor for conservative evangelical members and parishes of the church.

Early life and education Munro was born on 8 May 1963 in Manchester, England. He was raised as an atheist and converted to Christianity through the youth ministry of St Mary's Cheadle. Munro received a degree in maths at the University of Bristol. After university, he moved to London to study in the ministry training scheme at All Souls Langham Place, then known as All Souls College of Applied Theology. While at All Souls, Munro taught part-time at All Souls School. He returned to Manchester for teacher training at the University of Manchester and taught maths and physical education in Hazel Grove. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in theology and pastoral studies in 1993. He later studied for a doctorate from the Reformed Theological Seminary in the United States, He was additionally rural dean for Cheadle from 2016 to 2023.

Episcopacy In September 2022, Munro was announced as the next Bishop of Ebbsfleet, taking over the portfolio of alternative episcopal oversight held by the retired Bishop of Maidstone, Rod Thomas. and Welby was only assisted by two other male bishops as co-consecrators (Mark Tanner, Bishop of Chester, and Jonathan Gibbs, Bishop of Rochester).

Views Munro came into office as the General Synod was discussing Anglican bishops' approval (through the Living in Love and Faith process) of same-sex blessings in the Church of England and revisiting the restrictions imposed on gay clergy in same-sex marriages or civil partnerships. Munro commented that the General Synod debate:

In December 2023, following the General Synod vote to commend and the subsequent introduction of prayers and blessings for same-sex relationships, he expressed his "great sorrow" and stated that it was a "serious error" that risks "misleading them about issues of sin and salvation". In a letter to the clergy under his supervision, Munro strongly recommended against the use of the new prayers, arguing that they have questionable legal status, are a potential confusion of Biblical teachings, and lack clear guidance for conscience; however, he also invited the clergy not to leave the Church of England and offered spiritual advice to those who may need it following the decision.

Personal life Munro is married to Sarah; they have three adult children.