From Long Island to Norfolk: Christina Rees’ Journey of Faith and Service
Christina Rees’ life story reads like an adventure novel, beginning on Long Island and winding its way across oceans to the shores of North Norfolk, where she now serves as a priest, writer, speaker, broadcaster, and charity director. Born in Huntington, Long Island, about 70 miles from the bustling streets of New York City, Christina was raised by her publisher father and teacher-musician mother in what she describes as a “cradle Christian” home where faith was the foundation of daily life.
At just five years old, Christina’s world transformed dramatically when her family sold their Long Island home and moved onto the Tappan Z, a bright yellow 38-foot schooner. For over seven years, this sailing vessel became home to Christina, her parents, siblings Robin and Joel, and even their cat. Despite the cramped quarters with “no doors, no privacy, no running water,” and a diesel engine positioned between Christina’s bunk and her sister’s, this floating home provided the backdrop for an extraordinary childhood. Their journey took them along the American coast, to Florida for two years, and then to the Bahamas for four more. Throughout these travels, the children were home-schooled, and the family maintained their Christian practices with evening prayers, grace before meals, and hymn-singing throughout the day. Christina filled her time writing poetry, singing, praying, and contemplating God while sailing across vast stretches of ocean.
Life at sea wasn’t without its perils. Christina’s memoir “Sea Urchin – a childhood at sea” recounts surviving five hurricanes, terrifying thunderstorms (including one occasion when lightning emanated from her fingers), and a harrowing encounter where the family narrowly escaped pursuing sharks while fishing. Their diet consisted primarily of what they could catch daily—fish, conch, turtles—as they had no refrigeration. After their Bahamian adventures, the family returned to Long Island before embarking on another year of sailing around Italy, Malta, and Greece, where Christina noted the stark contrast between the ornate Catholic churches of Italy and the simpler churches of the Bahamas. When her seafaring childhood finally gave way to a more traditional teenage life back on Long Island, Christina attended a private school that nurtured her talents in drama, acting, singing, and writing.
Christina’s spiritual journey intensified at age 17 when she attended a charismatic prayer meeting run by her aunt and uncle. There, she experienced what she describes as “a waterfall of light and love” and received confirmation of God’s love for her. When sharing this experience with her congregation later, she felt “on fire inside” and realized she had been given the gift of preaching. Her educational path led her 3,000 miles from home to Pomona College in California, where she earned a BA in English and Performing Arts. After a year in New York City, she moved to Virginia to work as a dance instructor and assistant chaplain at a girls’ school while training to become an opera singer. During a pivotal railway journey, Christina had another spiritual revelation—a vision that showed her faith should be at the center of her life rather than just one part of it, prompting her to redirect her career toward God and pursue postgraduate studies in Theology and Communications.
While studying in the UK, Christina met her future husband Chris during a residential Cambridge Radio Course. After he proposed to her in America, they married and returned to the UK to begin their life together near Cambridge, where they raised two children and ran a smallholding with rare breed sheep, goats, cows, and various fowl for 25 years. Christina’s professional life blossomed as she began broadcasting, writing, and leading worship at a local church in Hertfordshire. In 1990, she became the first American woman elected to the General Synod of the Church of England, where she served for 25 years and campaigned passionately for women’s ordination and women bishops. Her media career took off after being asked to record a “Thought for the Day” for BBC Radio 4 in 1991—a role she continued for 16 years. She became a sought-after speaker, preaching at prestigious venues including Westminster Abbey, Canterbury Cathedral, and St. Paul’s, while also participating in significant television broadcasts such as Rowan Williams’ enthronement as Archbishop of Canterbury and the reburial of Richard III.
Today, Christina continues to follow what she believes is God’s calling for her life. Ordained as a deacon in 2021 and as a priest in 2022, she serves as a self-supporting minister in the Church of England while maintaining her writing, speaking, and broadcasting work. Her husband Chris, retired from the BBC, provides IT support. Christina was awarded Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 2015 for her services to the Church of England—a high point in her remarkable life. She remains dedicated to helping women overcome barriers, serving as a director of the Li Tim-Oi Foundation, which provides educational grants to women around the world following their calling. Though now settled in North Norfolk, Christina returns to her Long Island roots yearly, reflecting on an eventful but joyful life guided by her faith. Her story stands as a testament to following one’s spiritual calling across oceans and continents, always with an unwavering belief in divine guidance.
