Robert R. Spears, Jr.

The Right Reverend Robert R. Spears, Jr., (June 1918 - March 18, 2008) was a prominent American Christian clergyman, and the former Episcopal Bishop of Rochester, New York, for which he served from 1970 to 1984. He was best known for his liberal views. Bishop 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 Viet Nam War, and spoke out against the attack on Attica. He was also an early proponent of involvement in the Episcopal Church by its gay and lesbian members.

Childhood, education and calling

Spears graduated from Hobart College in Upstate New York in 1940. [http://web.hws.edu/news/update/showrelease.asp?id=30226 Hobart and William Smith Colleges web site] . Accessed March 30, 2008.] He answered the call to holy orders in the Episcopal Church. He graduated from The General Theological Seminary in New York City in 1943.

He was ordained a deacon and priest, and served as a curate.

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

Bishop of Rochester

In 1970, Spears was elected Bishop coadjutor of Rochester."Bishop Robert R. Spears Jr., 89, dies", "Democrat and Chronicle", found at [http://www.democratandchronicle.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080318/NEWS01/80318042/0/NEWS01 Democrat and Chronicle Obituary] . Accessed March 30, 2008. ] He was consecrated under apostolic succession by the Presiding Bishop [See List of Presiding Bishops in the Episcopal Church in the United States of America]

Spears served from 1970 to 1984 as the sixth Diocesan bishop of Rochester. [ [http://www.rochesterepiscopaldiocese.org/about.html Rochester Episcopal Diocese about web page] . Accessed March 30, 2008.] He supported female ordination in the 1970s, then a controversial subject. [Mary S. Donovan, "Women as Priests and Bishops," UALR History Seminar, November 7, 1989; Revised February 13, 1992; July 20, 1992, found at [http://maxweber.hunter.cuny.edu/eres/docs/eres/HIST112_DONOVAN/wopriest1.doc Women as Priests and Bishops] . Accessed March 30, 2008.]

References

External links

* [http://www.rochesterepiscopaldiocese.org/about.html Rochester Episcopal Diocese web site]
* [http://www.integrityusa.org/ Integrity web site]

ee also

* List of Bishop Succession in the Episcopal Church