I was born in London and educated in England and the U.S., receiving my doctorate in New Testament and Early Christian Origins from Harvard University in 1985.  In the same year, I was ordained an Episcopal priest at St. Paul’s Cathedral in Boston.  Since then I have taught at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and served part-time in two parishes in the Episcopal diocese of Milwaukee: St. Mark’s, on Milwaukee’s east side (assisting priest, 1985-2000), and St. Simon’s (priest-in-charge, 2000-present).

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As an academic, my research and writing concerns both New Testament and non-canonical early Christian writings.  As priest and pastor at Emmanuel Church in Boston, I participated in an early (1980s) pastoral response to the AIDS crisis.  In the Episcopal Diocese of Milwaukee I was for many years a member of the Anglican-Roman Catholic Dialogue Committee, and for three years Ecumenical Officer for the diocese.  I also served as co-chair of the diocesan Commission on Racial Justice.

At St. Simon’s, we – the Wardens, Vestry, and I – have worked hard to sustain and build up this “family-sized” parish through joyful and well-ordered worship, regular fellowship (our renowned Sunday Coffee Hours, for example!), thought-provoking Christian education classes, responsive pastoral care, and a variety of outreach activities, e.g., our continuing commitment in service to Heritage Home and Harbor Village.

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I am married to the Rev. Nancy Hays Hills, recently retired as a graphic designer with the City of Milwaukee Health Department, who serves as deacon at Christ Episcopal Church, Whitefish Bay.  Among other things, we share a love of music, especially church music.  Our son James lives in Nashville, Tenn., where he pursues the dream of a future in music alongside a “regular” job in cancer research administration.