Robert Paterson

Robert Mar Erskine Paterson (born 27 February 1949) is a British Anglican bishop. He was the Bishop of Sodor and Man in the Church of England from 2008 until his retirement in 2016.

Early life and education Paterson was born on 27 February 1949 in Cardiff, Wales. He was educated at King Henry VIII School, Coventry, a [a local authority grammar school] He studied at St John's College, Durham, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1971, and was awarded the Van Mildert Scholarship in the same year. He then spent a year training for ordained ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham (an Anglican theological college that is part of St John's College, Durham), and completed a Diploma in Theology (DipTh) in 1972.

Ordained ministry Paterson was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1972. From 1972 to 1973, he was a curate in the Diocese of Manchester at Christ Church, Harpurhey. He was appointed chaplain and researcher to John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, in 2006.

Episcopal ministry Paterson was nominated as the next Bishop of Sodor and Man in 2008 to replace Graeme Knowles. The appointment was confirmed by Letters Patent issued by Queen Elizabeth II on 18 April 2008. He was consecrated as a bishop on 25 April 2008 at York Minster. He was enthroned Bishop and Dean of Sodor and Man on 14 June 2008 at St German's Cathedral in Peel, Isle of Man. He chaired the Central Readers' Council for England and Wales, was Vice Chair of the Liturgical Commission and the Fresh Expressions Board, convened the House of Bishops' Working Group on Civil Partnerships (2011–12), co-chaired the Church of England Lay Ministries Working Group (2015–16) and was the Archbishop of Canterbury's envoy to the Church of Ceylon (2014–15). He chaired reviews of training for ministry in Wales (2013–14) and Ireland (2015–16).

He retired from full-time ministry on 11 November 2016. In retirement, he is an honorary assistant bishop in the Diocese of Worcester and the Diocese of Hereford. In retirement he has become involved with clergy review and has been appointed Dean for Evangelism in the Worcester Diocese; he is a mentor in the Germinate Leadership programme.

Other works He is author of a number of books on liturgy and preaching and his interests include current affairs, early music, literature, walking, cycling and the countryside. As the island's bishop, he sat ex officio on the Legislative Council and Tynwald Court and was required to vote on all matters. Throughout his period of office Paterson spoke in Tynwald particularly on ethical issues concerning international aid, a register of beneficial ownership, family and end-of-life issues and the rights of minorities.

Personal life Paterson is married to Pauline Anne. Together they have one son, two daughters and two grandsons.

Selected works

Paterson, Robert (2018). Making Christ Visible.

Styles The Reverend Robert Paterson (1972–2004) The Reverend Canon Robert Paterson (2004–2008) The Right Reverend Robert Paterson (2008–present)