Tributes paid to “rebel” Jersey priest who took on Mugabe

Monday 13 June 2022

Tributes have been paid to a “caring” and “generous” priest, who moved to Jersey after receiving death threats for challenging tyrant Robert Mugabe, following his passing at the weekend.

Canon Tim Neill suffered complications following urgent heart surgery in late May and remained in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit thereafter.

After some initial improvement, he sadly deteriorated further.

He came to Jersey in 2006 with his Jersey-born wife, Carol, and took up the part-time post of rector of St. Mary's Parish Church in 2019.

The pair settled on the island after South Rhodesia-born Canon Neill had spent many turbulent years ministering in Zimbabwe, at one point as the Vicar-General of the diocese of Harare.

Pictured: A profile in the Church Times described Canon Tim Neill as a "rebel" priest.

There, the South Rhodesia-born priest built up a reputation for challenge.

He delivered his first anti-Mugabe sermon in 1996, going on to open his church up for debates on policies presented by President Mugabe's government, take part in the peace march of 2000 alongside his parishioners, and even get arrested as part of an anti-torture protest in 2003.

His activism earned him the title of "rebel priest". Unfortunately, it also resulted in threats to his safety.

In Jersey, he made his mark as a cheery and enthusiastic leadership coach, while also using his platform in the faith community to support equal marriage.

Jersey's Dean, the Very Reverend Mike Keirle, shared news of Canon Neill's passing on Saturday.

"It is my very sad duty to inform you that, Tim Neill, Rector of St. Mary's Church, has died," he said.

"He was surrounded by his family. Please pray for them all at this most difficult of times, as well as for the community of St. Mary's.

"May he rest in peace and rise in glory."

Hundreds of islanders have since paid tribute, among them several politicians.

Senator Ian Gorst thanked the Canon for his "example" and said he would be missed by all who knew him. "You always had a word of hope and encouragement," he reflected.

Constable Andy Jehan described Canon Neill as a "good friend", adding: "Not only was Tim the Rector of St. Mary he was also a leadership coach who I had the pleasure of working with. An incredible background in Africa, always happy to debate and laugh."

This is very sad news. I too worked with Tim and benefited so much from his encouragement. An absolutely lovely man and who had such a fascinating life story. RIP. https://t.co/N2KjWrtPKC

— Senator Sam Mézec (@SamMezecJsy) June 11, 2022

Lamenting the "sad news", Sam Mézec recalled how he "benefited so much from his encouragement."

"An absolutely lovely man who had such a fascinating life story," Senator Mézec added.

Senator Kristina Moore echoed her political colleagues' sentiments.

"Hope, encouragement and a hearty laugh. He will be deeply missed by so many," she said.

Among the islanders to pay tribute to his spirit on social media was Jan Harris, who described Canon Neill as a "kind and beautiful soul".

"...He was so caring and had the biggest heart and an even bigger smile that brightened up anyones day, together of course with his infectious laugh. Thoughts and loving prayers are with Tim's family as Heaven has gained an angel. Shine on Tim with your bright light," she wrote.

Hope, encouragement & a hearty laugh. He will be deeply missed by so many. Rest in peace dear Tim https://t.co/J02PVKQPmg

— Kristina Moore (@Moore4Jersey) June 12, 2022

Lynsey Mallinson remembered his "great smile" and "twinkle in his eye".

Meanwhile, Dave Shepherd summarised his essence as "dynamic and wonderfully eccentric", which he said was "the perfect mix for the young teenager I was when I met him."

"I will always remember his wide generous smile and his intoxicating laugh. He ran and fought well and will be received by his saviour in glory," he added.