Father Eric Miller: “I Just Want to Be a Priest for All”

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – The Church of the Holy Spirit is set to get a new rector this Friday, but he is still relatively new and relatively young to the Anglican priesthood.

By the end of the day tomorrow, Rev. Fr. Eric Miller will be installed as the 10th rector of the Church of the Holy Spirit in Chippingham. Still a relatively young priest, Fr. Miller has a lot of plans for his new church home, but top among them is being a priest for all who come through the church doors.

Rev. Fr. Eric Miller, rector designate, Church of the Holy Spirit
“Just to be a steady pastor and teacher and counsellor and friend and son to others and father to others and a priest for all.”

Rev. Fr. Eric Miller, rector designate, Church of the Holy Spirit
“I want our church to understand that we must always be impactful to the community around us; the church is not a relic; it is an organism, it’s not something to be gazed upon; it ought to affect the community around it in a real and impactful way.”

Rev. Fr. Eric Miller, rector designate, Church of the Holy Spirit
“Drawing more young people here within the parish, drawing them back into this place to cause them to recognise that their spiritual journey is necessary.”

This is not his first posting. Fr. Miller, who will celebrate his eighth anniversary as a priest this year, has served at several churches, including on the Family Islands and in New Providence.

Rev. Fr. Eric Miller, rector designate, Church of the Holy Spirit
“Throughout each posting I would’ve learnt different aspects of ministry and liturgy and the way people worship as well, but also the dynamics of ministry across our islands as well.”

Fr. Miller also shared that he does his best to keep his life balanced between his church family and his family at home.

Rev. Fr. Eric Miller, rector designate, Church of the Holy Spirit
“I must admit that I’m still trying to figure out the balance in terms of my church life and family life; I get it right sometimes and I get it wrong sometimes, but I’m thankful for a wife who understands the church; I’m thankful for the wife who understands the sacrifice.”

Rev. Fr. Eric Miller, rector designate, Church of the Holy Spirit
“Our three-year-old, who too is coming to understand the responsibility of church and the sacrifices that need to be made at her young age.”

The institution, induction and installation service will be held Friday at the Church of the Holy Spirit and will be conducted by Anglican Bishop Rev. Laish Boyd Sr., beginning at 7 p.m.