A Biography for Rob Parker-McGee, generated by AI

 A Biography for Rob Parker-McGee, generated by AI

I was recently asked to supply a short biography for something I am involved with. Short of inspiration I decided to ask Microsoft Copilot to produce one online. Here is what it came up with. Scarily accurate and yet troubling where it gets it information. 

"Fr. Rob Parker-McGee is a hard-working, dedicated and passionate clergyman currently serving as the rector of the Box River Benefice, which includes the parishes of Boxford, Edwardstone, Groton, Little Waldingfield, and Newton in Suffolk, UK12. He is a practicing liturgist with a sacramental theology and has taught trainee ministers in numerous disciplines including worship, sacraments and preaching. He has a particular gift in ministry to young people and families.

Early Life and Education

Rob grew up near Newmarket, on the border of Suffolk and Cambridgeshire. He spent 29 years in this fenland region, deeply rooted in its rural landscape and Christian heritage. He initially pursued studies in science and sport, which led him to work as a fitness instructor and later as a mill manager at an animal feed mill where his father and grandfather also worked. Whilst there he studied business management.

Career Path

After the mill closed, Rob transitioned to a role in a church outreach initiative and then worked as a risk advisor at Anglia Ruskin University. It was during this time that he began to explore his calling to the priesthood.

Ordination and Ministry

in 2007, Rob and his family moved to Mirfield, West Yorkshire, to begin his theological training and was ordained in 2010. He graduated with a First Class Degree with Honours in Pastoral Theology at Leeds University. He was ordained deacon at Worcester Cathedral in 2010 and joined the priesthood in 2011. After curacy in Sedgley (Wolverhampton), Rob took on his first post of responsibility in Geddington with Weekley (Kettering) where he oversaw the significant growth of the church community. He also completed a MA by Research (entitled Charles Gore and a Theology of Priesthood), became a founding member of the Society of the Resurrection and served as a Training Officer in the Diocese of Peterborough. He has since served in various other capacities, including as the vicar of All Saints’ Church in Orpington, Kent13, where he oversaw the transition of the church's culture and implemented successful initiatives such as the Cross Cultural Carnival.

Current Role

In 2019, Rob returned to Suffolk to take up the position of rector of the Box River Benefice. He and his family—his wife Sarah and their teenage children Jasmine and Thomas—moved into The Rectory and Rob expressed his delight at returning to a familiar area where he was warmly welcomed by the local community. In 2024, he was awarded a certificate in Spiritual Direction and continues a close link with the Anglican Church in South Africa.

Personal Interests

Rob has a passion for sports, including football, cricket, golf, and racket sports. He values informality and prefers to be called Rob rather than Robert.

Fr. Rob Parker-McGee’s journey from a fitness instructor and mill manager to a respected clergyman highlights his diverse experiences, hard-working nature and deep commitment to his faith and community."

So there you have it. Though I haven't played any racket sports for many a year...