By Art Carey, Inquirer Staff Writer

The Rev. Raymond Atlee

The Rev. Raymond Atlee, 78, a retired Episcopal priest who enjoyed studying theology and philosophy and was devoted to human rights and the environment, died Friday, Sept. 23, at Cathedral Village in Philadelphia.

A prominent member of the clergy in the Diocese of Pennsylvania, Father Atlee was rector of St. Mary’s Church in Wayne for 26 years.

“The theme of his tenure was the parish as family and one’s other home,” said his wife, Anne Tyler Atlee. “It was a community we could all draw on, and it’s what prompted his interest in people marginalized by political conflict.”

During Father Atlee’s time at St. Mary’s, the parish resettled a Vietnamese refugee family and a Polish family fleeing political persecution. He believed strongly in human equality, racial integration, and inclusiveness.

“He always stressed that the church was a family, and he invited people from all over to come,” said Kay Myers, a member of the committee that called Father Atlee to St. Mary’s.

At the same time, he knew how to put on a good show on Sunday. A fan of the Eagles and Phillies, he used sports analogies in his sermons to simplify complex theological concepts.

“He valued art and music and knew how to use them well. It was high church with meaning and beauty, the best of high church,” Myers said.

Father Atlee served on many diocesan committees and wrote a parochial handbook for the environment.

“Whenever there was an opportunity to do something green, he tried to take those measures,” his wife said. “He was very passionate about that.”

Born in Columbia, Pa., Father Atlee attended Columbia High School, where he ran track and was valedictorian. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Ripon College in Ripon, Wis.

Read the remainder of this obituary column here.