During the 2020 lockdown in the UK, the Reverend Chris Lee came to prominence through his 60-second sermons, which were posted on his Instagram account: revchris7 His aim was to give solace and spiritual encouragement during this difficult time, particularly to the young.

This life story interview follows Chris from his childhood and schooling to a good job, followed by his decision to step off “the middle-class conveyor belt” to train as a vicar in Africa. The conversation covers contemplative spirituality, Chris’s setting up of the Young Franciscans, Chris’s book, the OMG effect, and the Hot Priest in Fleabag.

Since the recording, Chris has negotiated a two-book deal with Tyndale publishing house coming out in 2024. One adult book and one children’s book co-written with his wife.

0:00 Dublin: Family background, twin brother 53:00 University: Kingston, poker and pot 59:05 Life after university: From a secure job to Tanzania 1:04:11 Africa: Being in the moment, exploring priesthood 1:24:2 Ridley Hall: Healing and falling in love 1:39:29 After Ridley Hall: London, evangelicalism, Anglo-Catholic spirituality, work with the homeless 1:43:40. Priest in Charge: St Saviour’s, Young Franciscans and spiritual practices 1:55:43 Going Viral: The Instagram priest 2:09:17 Managing his online presence 2:20: 07 The Hot Priest in Fleabag 2:24:47 St Saviour’s, lockdowns and embracing online technologies 2:27:48 The OMG Effect. A book of Chris’s 60-second sermons -- For all things ExtraECC, go to: ExtraECC.com Audio versions of these interviews are at: @extraecc Follow us on FB www.facebook.com/ExtraECC, and on Twitter @ecc_extra