(ATLANTA, GA) Bishop Robert C. Wright, leader of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta, is known nationwide for his authenticity, his heart for justice, and his ability to speak hope into difficult conversations. In a recent interview with K-LOVE's Monika Kelly, he shared how his life, ministry, and personal story are rooted in grace and a passion for serving others.
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Raised in public housing after being adopted from a Catholic orphanage, Wright says his early life shaped his desire to advocate for young people.
“I thought I’d go to law school,” he says. “But when I started working with inner-city youth—kids who needed someone who understood their journey—it just felt right. That clarity led me into child advocacy and eventually into ministry.”
Wright describes his work as a gift. “The peace God gives is when your mind and your behind are in line,” he laughs. “I get to use all of myself every day.”
One story that inspires him involves a young lawyer who once prayed, “God, I want to be a lawyer for you.” Today, that man is winning major human-trafficking cases and giving most of the settlements to survivors. “That’s what happens when we offer our gifts to God and community,” Wright says.
Wright believes joy is a spiritual discipline—especially in hard seasons.
“The Bible says to rejoice, which means to re-joy yourself,” he explains. “Stop and remember the blessings, mentors, second chances, generosity you’ve received. Remembering anchors us when storms come.”
He warns against “spiritual amnesia,” adding, “I’m not the sum total of wise choices. I’m the beneficiary of a whole lot of grace.”
Under his leadership, the Diocese of Atlanta prioritizes caring for the most vulnerable: providing food and medicine, supporting literacy programs, and visiting people in prison.
“These are the people Jesus asked us to see,” he says. “When we serve on the edges of society, we end up receiving blessings ourselves.”
Before ministry, Wright served as a Navy helicopter crew chief and search-and-rescue diver. “I used to jump out of helicopters for a living,” he laughs. “It feels like a million miles away now.”
“Your identity is safest in God’s hands,” he says. “Don’t trust TikTok or Instagram to tell you who you are. God can do infinitely more through you than you can imagine.”
Wright’s weekly podcast, For People with Bishop Rob Wright, offers 17–22 minutes of encouragement every Friday and is heard in about 100 countries.
