Robert R. Spears, Jr.

Robert Rae "Bob" Spears Jr. (June 18, 1918 – March 18, 2008) was a prominent American prelate who served as Bishop of Rochester from 1970 to 1984.

Childhood and education Spears was born on June 18, 1918, in Rochester, New York, the son of Robert Rae Spears and Phebe Elizabeth Wing. He graduated from Hobart College in Upstate New York He answered the call to holy orders in the Episcopal Church. He graduated from The General Theological Seminary in New York City He was consecrated under apostolic succession by the Presiding Bishop He supported female ordination in the 1970s, then a controversial subject. He was best known for his liberal views. Spears was an important leader in the Episcopal Church's progressive wing. He was in favor of the decision to ordain women. He opposed the Vietnam War, and spoke out against violence during the Attica Prison riot. He was also an early proponent of involvement in the Episcopal Church by its gay and lesbian members. He co-chaired the Episcopal Church's Standing Commission on Human Affairs and Health from 1976 to 1979 He retired in 1984 and served as Associate at St James' Church on Madison Avenue in New York City. At the time of his death he was an Associate at St Thomas' Church in Rochester, New York. He died on March 18, 2008.

Family Spears was married to his wife Charlotte Luttrell for decades, and they had three children and three grandchildren.