Peter Owen Jones: The Maverick Priest Redefining Spirituality and Simplicity
Exploring the Life, Faith, and Journey of an Anglican Minister Who Embraced Nature, Media, and Minimalism
Introduction
Peter Owen Jones is not your traditional Anglican priest. With his soft-spoken voice and wide-brimmed hat, he has become a symbol of modern spirituality rooted in simplicity and nature. Renowned for his BBC documentaries and compelling books, Peter has walked the path of a seeker—embracing diverse religious traditions, questioning materialism, and advocating for ecological awareness. His journey from London’s advertising world to the Sussex countryside is both inspirational and timely, as society grapples with existential and environmental challenges.
A public figure who lives a private life, Peter Owen Jones embodies a countercultural message: that fulfillment lies not in wealth or fame, but in meaning, stillness, and connection to the earth.
Quick Bio
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Peter Owen Jones |
| Date of Birth | 1957 |
| Age | ~68 (as of 2025) |
| Nationality | British |
| Ethnicity | White British |
| Accent | Southern English / Clerical |
| Birthplace | London, United Kingdom |
| Education | Ridley Hall, Cambridge |
| Occupation | Anglican Priest, Author, Broadcaster |
| Marital Status | Separated |
| Children | Four |
| Known For | BBC Documentaries, Spiritual Writings |
| Notable Works | Extreme Pilgrim, How to Live a Simple Life |
Peter Owen Jones was born in 1957 in London. He left school at the young age of sixteen and ventured to Australia, where he worked as a jackaroo—a farmhand. This early exposure to rural life would later influence his deep affinity for nature and the outdoors. After returning to the UK, Peter held various roles, including farm worker and mobile disco operator, eventually entering the high-paced world of London advertising.
Although he climbed the ladder to become a creative director, Peter found little fulfillment in that lifestyle. In his late twenties, driven by an inner calling, he left the corporate world to study theology at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. His decision marked a significant turning point, leading him to pursue a life of service, reflection, and spiritual depth.
Spiritual Calling and Ordination
Ordained as an Anglican priest in the early 1990s, Peter began his ministry in Cambridgeshire, serving four rural parishes. He quickly gained attention for his unconventional approach to spirituality. In 1996, he led an open-air religious service for protestors at the Newbury bypass—an event that marked his growing concern for environmental issues and set him apart as a voice for ethical activism.
Peter’s ministry was never confined to the pulpit. He used media as a tool to reach a wider audience, encouraging people to question societal norms and explore their inner lives. His sermons and community engagement reflected a deep blend of tradition and radical thought, earning him both admiration and controversy within clerical circles.
Media Career and Documentaries
Peter Owen Jones rose to wider prominence through his work with the BBC, where he fronted several thought-provoking documentaries exploring faith, belief systems, and human purpose. In Extreme Pilgrim (2008), he immersed himself in various spiritual traditions, from Chinese Buddhism to Egyptian desert monasticism, pushing the boundaries of personal transformation.
In Around the World in 80 Faiths (2009), Peter journeyed across continents to understand global religious practices. His authenticity, curiosity, and non-judgmental lens made him a trusted guide into the often misunderstood world of belief. Another remarkable work, How to Live a Simple Life (2010), chronicled his attempt to live without money, relying solely on barter and community support in rural England.
These programs did not just entertain—they invited viewers to reflect on their own values, beliefs, and consumer-driven lifestyles.
Writing and Philosophy
Peter Owen Jones is also a prolific author. His books include Bed of Nails, which details his transition from advertising to theology, and Letters from an Extreme Pilgrim, a deeper reflection on his spiritual explorations. In Small Boat, Big Sea, he shares insights from his time serving rural communities, while Pathlands and Everest England highlight his love for Britain’s natural beauty.
His 2022 book, Conversations with Nature, is a compelling invitation to rediscover the sacred in the environment. Through poetic prose and raw reflections, Peter emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life, urging readers to live in harmony with nature.
Personal Life and Family
Peter Owen Jones has lived a life of intentional simplicity, even when it came at a personal cost. He was previously married and has four children, though he is now separated from his spouse. He resides in the picturesque Sussex countryside, where he continues his pastoral duties as a house-for-duty priest.
His personal experiences, including his own adoption and eventual reconnection with his birth mother, have shaped his views on identity, authenticity, and emotional depth. Though not one to frequently speak of his private life, Peter acknowledges that his family, relationships, and inner trials have all contributed to his spiritual growth.
Advocacy and Environmental Efforts
More than a preacher or presenter, Peter is an activist for environmental stewardship and human reconnection with the earth. He has supported projects like the Life Cairn—memorials for extinct species—and the Arbory Trust, which promotes woodland burials as eco-friendly alternatives.
His work emphasizes that faith is not separate from nature but is deeply embedded within it. Through both action and word, Peter Owen Jones challenges the modern church—and the public at large—to take creation care seriously.
Current Role and Latest Developments
As of 2025, Peter continues to serve as a part-time priest in Sussex while also participating in occasional public speaking and writing engagements. He remains committed to his spiritual values and ecological mission. While no new television series have been announced recently, he remains a respected voice in spiritual and environmental circles.
His recent appearances on podcasts such as Wild Minds and The Outdoor Teacher underscore his ongoing relevance and appeal to those seeking a more grounded, meaningful life.
Legacy and Influence
Peter Owen Jones may not have built businesses or accumulated wealth, but his influence is undeniable. Through storytelling, humility, and lived experience, he has helped reshape the modern understanding of faith—not as dogma, but as daily practice, rooted in love, service, and simplicity.
His life is a testimony to what happens when one listens to the inner voice, walks away from material illusions, and pursues truth, even when it means going against the grain.
Conclusion
Peter Owen Jones represents a rare blend of wisdom, courage, and vulnerability. Whether in front of a camera, behind a lectern, or walking the English hills, he invites us to look deeper—into ourselves, into nature, and into our responsibilities as caretakers of the earth and each other. His message is timeless yet urgent: in a world of noise, be still; in a world of excess, live simply; in a world of disconnection, reconnect.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Peter Owen Jones?
Peter Owen Jones is a British Anglican priest, author, and BBC broadcaster known for exploring global religions, simple living, and environmental spirituality.
What is Peter Owen Jones’s profession?
He is a Church of England priest, writer, and television presenter.
Where was Peter Owen Jones born?
He was born in London, United Kingdom, in 1957.
Is Peter Owen Jones married?
He was married but is now separated. He has four children.
What are his most famous works?
His best-known programs include Extreme Pilgrim, Around the World in 80 Faiths, and How to Live a Simple Life
