I denounce Dawkins....as do many of his peers.
And to say he's "highly respected" is not entirely accurate.
I haven't seen any academic scientists step up and scold dawkins for his over the top histrionics, but then I mostly hang out on FR and not in academia so I'll take your word for it. He is however, if I'm not mistaken, the Dean of a prestigious school at Cambridge, which would indicate more than a modicum of respect.
Really, there is no comparison in social status between the two.