Woman becomes Anglican priest after 10-year wait

Reverend Georgie Phillips was ordained by Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Stephen Lake

A woman from Jersey has become the island's newest Anglican priest after a wait of 14 years.

The Reverend Georgie Phillips was ordained in St Saviour's Parish Church by the Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Stephen Lake.

It was the latest step in her journey of faith that began in her native Zimbabwe.

Mrs Phillips said it was "humbling and overwhelming" to be ordained a priest after experiencing discrimination in her home country.

"I always felt God had a place in my life, but never expected to become a priest," she said.

'New direction'

Growing up as a Catholic, she said she was educated by nuns and spent time exploring her vocation in a convent for two years.

"It wasn't for me," she said.

"I thank my dear Dad for allowing me that experience and I came to know I wouldn't be a nun."

She later attended a Methodist college and said she eventually found a home in the Anglican church.

Mrs Phillips - who is the assistant curate at St Andrew's Church in St Helier and a therapist at Jersey General Hospital and Jersey Hospice - said she had waited 14 years to be ordained after beginning her journey in 2010 in Zimbabwe.

However, she said a diocese there voted against the ordination of women shortly before she was due to be ordained in 2024.

'Moved to tears'

She said she moved to Jersey in 2016 and restarted her journey with the Anglican Church.

"When I came to Jersey I found a new home at St Saviour's Church and my faith journey took a new direction," she said.

After being ordained, she said: "It feels like I have finally given birth to what I've been carrying all along.

"It's humbling and overwhelming."

The Reverend Canon Nigel Done, who supported Mrs Phillips, said he was "moved to tears" when he first listened to her story.

"It was the greatest pleasure to have a part in helping Georgie finally receive the affirmation that she had patiently waited for, and am delighted that she is now an ordained priest in Jersey," he said.