The young vicar with millions of views on TikTok

Pippa White, a 29-year-old vicar from Whitchurch in Shropshire, has gained a remarkable following on TikTok, amassing millions of views. Like many young women her age, she enjoys the music of Taylor Swift, plays rugby, and creates entertaining TikTok videos in her spare time. However, what sets her apart is her role as a vicar, where she shares unique insights into her life and work with her thousands of followers on the popular video-sharing platform. Pippa expressed her delight at the positive feedback she has received from her audience, which includes both her church congregation and a vast number of social media followers. She hopes that her TikTok presence will help modernize the way her church communicates with the broader community. In an interview with BBC Radio Shropshire, Pippa revealed that she did not grow up in a religious household in Norfolk, but she always felt a sense of comfort in her village church. While discussing career options with a friend at university, she jokingly mentioned the idea of becoming a vicar. This light-hearted comment sparked a significant realization for her, leading her to think, 'Oh, maybe I should actually look into that. ' From that moment on, her journey into the clergy began to unfold. Pippa is not only a young female vicar but also a trailblazer on TikTok, where her account, @not_a_priestess, showcases a light-hearted approach to her role. She often shares humorous content, whether it’s poking fun at the discomfort of church pews or providing a glimpse into her daily life. Although she does not earn any money from her social media presence, Pippa believes it is crucial for young people to see themselves represented in the Church of England. She stated, 'Trying to find representation of young women in the church is quite tricky. ' This realization motivated her to take action, as she thought, 'If I was sick of not seeing anyone like me out there, why not just do it myself? ' The response from her congregation, St Alkmund, has been overwhelmingly positive. Pippa shared that when she walks down the high street, people often approach her, saying, 'Oh, I saw your TikTok. ' The parishioners appreciate the energy she brings, as they see a young person in the church reaching out to, primarily, other young individuals. Pippa noted that many older members of her congregation find hope in her efforts. She remarked, 'It's something new, and it's keeping the Church of England in the public eye in a new, refreshing way. ' Pippa also expressed her belief that the Church of England sometimes struggles to communicate its successes effectively. She highlighted various church programs, such as food banks and English language lessons, that contribute positively to the community. Furthermore, she pointed out that the representation of young Christians often comes from more conservative circles. Pippa identifies as very liberal and inclusive in her theology, emphasizing the importance of maintaining that perspective in the public sphere. Her innovative approach to engaging with the community through social media is not only refreshing but also serves as a bridge between the church and younger generations.