The Reverend Ezra Lauriston Parris describes himself as a “Blue Collar Pastor.” His roots are firmly embedded in the rural parish of St. Thomas where he spent his formative years and where he has served as Pastor of the Sharon and Dunscombe Moravian Congregations since 2002. Born into a family for which Christianity was a way of life, he believes that his upbringing and the influence of his family prepared him for his life in Ministry. 

The last of four children born to Julian, a joiner and Clarine a seamstress who later pursued a career in nursing, he received his primary education at Sharon Mixed School and Buxton Boys’, both Moravian schools and his secondary education at Harrison College, where his Christian values were further affirmed as a member of the Inter School Christian Fellowship. 

Reverend Parris has fond memories of growing up in the close-knit community in the Shop Hill Moravian Church (now Centenary) and taking part in all the usual church activities. In fact, he credits the Youth Fellowship which he attended in his teen years, for much of his development including his leadership skills. He was confirmed in the faith at Sharon.

Sharon has played an important role in the life of Reverend Parris for it was in the year 1985, during a Provincial Youth Camp on the compound at Sharon that his decision to answer the call to Ministry was chrystallised. The camp holds a special place in his heart because it was there that he connected with several other young Moravians who would also go into full-time Ministry and these included his late wife- the Reverend Julie Joefield.

Reverend Parris entered the United Theological College of the West indies (UTCWI) in 1987 to begin his journey as a full-time servant of God.

After graduating and being ordained at Sharon Moravian, he proceeded on his first assignment at Cedar Hall in Antigua.

His memories of his time in Antigua are fond ones. He remembers being warmly welcomed there and he speaks with gratitude about the bonds he formed with church and community members who were very supportive as he and his wife combined caring for a young family with full-time Ministry.

Reverend Parris also served for several years on the Board of the Provincial Elders Conference, East West Indies Province.

In 2002, Reverend Parris answered the call to return to his homeland and his home parish to serve as the pastor of the Sharon and Dunscombe congregations and he has continued to serve there to date. He is also currently the Superintendent of the Barbados Conference. He considers it a privilege to have been able to contribute to the spiritual development of persons who live in the area in which he was nurtured.  

Reverend Parris, a father of two, is not only loved by his congregants as a caring spiritual leader but respected for his humility and down-to-earth approach as a pastor. He is known to be very hands - on and so is he is deeply involved in all aspects of the life of his church whether it be routine maintenance such as cutting the lawns or trouble shooting issues with the audio -visual system. 

 Reverend Parris was elected Bishop on July 14, 2025 at the 34th Synod of the East West Indies Province of the Moravian Church, held in Trinidad. As he prepares to be consecrated as only the second Barbadian Bishop of the Moravian Church, he affirms the principle that has guided his journey as a pastor and as a leader. It is that God calls us to be faithful. While he is thankful that his 33 years of Ministry have allowed him to touch many lives, he responded to a question about his success in this way.

“God does not call us to be successful. He calls us to be faithful. The question before me is: Have you been Faithful?”