Reverend Lee Taylor, known for his progressive outlook and commitment to inclusivity, serves as the vicar of three churches nestled in and around the picturesque town of Llangollen in North Wales (UK). His visionary approach blends tradition with modern spirituality, meeting the evolving needs of his congregation and beyond.
As a practitioner in the field of biofield sound therapy, Lee actively participates in the Harmonic Egg community, incorporating regular sessions into his spiritual routine to foster holistic well-being of the mind, body, and soul.
Lee is also a member of the Churches Fellowship for Psychical and Spiritual Studies, a society dedicated to exploring and understanding spiritual, psychic, and mystical experiences within a Christian context.
Drawing from his experience and knowledge in sound healing, Lee has initiated transformative practices such as sound bath meditations at St. Collen’s Church, Llangollen. This innovative approach has brought together a diverse group of spiritual seekers, all united in their pursuit of solace and enlightenment through the power of sound.
In a surprising turn, Lee captured the public's imagination when he appeared as 'The Squid Vicar' on the hit Netflix reality TV show, "Squid Game: The Challenge,” in 2023, further solidifying his reputation as a dynamic and forward-thinking clergyman.
Embracing both ancient customs and modern sensibilities, Lee revitalised an age-old prayer for blessing beer during the Llangollen Real Ale Train event in 2019, seamlessly bridging the gap between antiquity and modernity.
Throughout the challenges of the pandemic, Lee's uplifting online singalongs resonated worldwide, forging connections and providing solace, even earning recognition on the renowned BBC programme, "Songs of Praise.”
Lee's love for music and the arts is evident in his ministry, where he shares his musical gifts by playing the organ for early morning Sunday services as well as leading regular workshops on the timeless beauty of Gregorian chants. Llangollen boasts the historical site of Valle Crucis Abbey, where Gregorian chants would have played a central role in the monks’ daily round of worship.
Drawing inspiration from this historical context, Lee offers participants an authentic and immersive experience during his workshops. Through his teachings and demonstrations, he vividly brings to life the sacred sounds that would have resonated within the abbey's walls centuries ago, allowing participants to connect with the rich spiritual heritage of the chants. By sharing his knowledge and passion for Gregorian chants, Lee not only honours the traditions of the past but also empowers others to explore their own spirituality through music.
Lee's involvement in the esteemed Llangollen International Eisteddfod holds special significance in his role as a priest and musician. The Eisteddfod, often hailed as 'Wales’s gift to the World,' draws over 120,000 performers and festival-goers from more than fifty countries to the picturesque Dee Valley in North Wales. Established in 1947 with the noble aim of fostering peace and goodwill between nations through music and dance, the event remains a beacon of harmony and cultural exchange. Lee's participation in crafting a poignant liturgy to conclude the festival each year further emphasises the importance of spreading messages of peace and unity through the universal language of music.
As chairman of London’s Players Theatre, a touring group dedicated to reviving Victorian Music Hall (of which Vaudeville is a distant cousin), Lee showcases his passion for the arts and heritage, offering enlightening talks on spirituality and humour: ‘Heaven & Mirth: Laughter and the Spiritual Life.’
Currently pursuing a part-time research degree in religious and mystical experience, Lee's scholarly pursuits delve into the realm of near-death experiences. His participation in the Near-Death Experience Spectrum at the Monroe Institute in 2023, coupled with a presentation on the topic at the 'Ageing as Adventure' conference at Emmanuel College, Cambridge in 2024, underscores his commitment to unravelling the mysteries of the divine.
Follow Rev Lee on:
X: @FrLeeAnthony
Website: www.stcollenschurch.org.uk
