Robert Joseph Baker


Robert Joseph Baker is an American Roman Catholic prelate who served as the Bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama. He was appointed to this post by Pope Benedict XVI on August 14, 2007, and installed on October 2, 2007. He has written several books. On June 25, 2019, Baker asked Pope Francis to accept his letter of resignation.

Biography

Baker was ordained for the diocese of St. Augustine in 1970 and sent to Rome for doctoral studies in dogmatic theology shortly thereafter. He has served in turns as a parish priest, campus minister, and seminary formator.

Bishop of Charleston

In 1999, Baker was appointed Bishop of Charleston. As bishop of Charleston, Baker presided over rapid growth, thanks to a combination of adult conversion and Hispanic immigration. Bishop Baker dedicated new or expanded churches, schools, and parish facilities.

Bishop of Birmingham

He was appointed to become Bishop of Birmingham on August 14, 2007 and was installed as bishop on October 2, 2007. The Diocese of Charleston bishopric was filled January 24, 2009, by Bishop Robert E. Guglielmone, formerly rector of St. Agnes Cathedral of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, New York.

Plans to Resign

Upon turning 75 years old, Baker sent a letter of resignation, as required by all Bishops when they reach this age. On June 25, 2019, however, it was revealed that Baker had sent another letter to Pope Francis, where he asked the Pope to accept his letter of resignation. On March 25, 2020, Pope Francis accepted his resignation.

Episcopal succession