Bishop Guli is taking on challenge of homes crisis
NEW ROLE WILL FOLLOW UP CHURCH’S WORK ON ADDRESSING INEQUALITIES
THE outgoing Bishop of Loughborough is to lead the Church of England’s drive to tackle the housing crisis.
The announcement comes ahead of the publication on February 21 of the findings of a two-year commission, set up by the Archbishop of Canterbury, examining the role of the church in tackling housing inequality.
The Right Reverend Dr Guli FrancisDehqani will take on the role of the church’s Lead Bishop for Housing when she becomes Bishop of Chelmsford later this year.
The new post will involve leading the efforts to implement the commission’s recommendations.
The Bishop of Barking, Peter Hill, will serve as deputy and the Bishop of Kensington, Graham Tomlin, currently vice-chair of the Commission, will also provide continuing support.
They will work alongside dioceses and other church bodies, as well as strengthening ties with groups, housing associations, developers and landowners.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, said: “I am delighted Bishop Guli FrancisDehqani will fulfil this role, bringing, as she does, enormous understanding of the disadvantaged and disenfranchised to this important work.
“Housing is an issue of justice, which Jesus cares about intimately. My prayers will be with Bishop Guli as she embarks upon this vital role, and with all those who suffer from unsafe, unsuitable and unaffordable housing.”
Bishop Guli said: “The work of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Housing, Church and Community is inspirational. I’m delighted to be joining others in working to ensure the aspirations become reality and the hopes are translated into change. It will be a privilege to be part of this.”
Bishop Guli took on the newly created role of suffragan Bishop of Loughborough in 2017, assisting the Rt Rev Martyn Snow, the Bishop of Leicester, in his work across the Anglican diocese.
She will continue her ministry among the top ranks of the church as she becomes the next bishop of Chelmsford, which she expects to take up in the spring.
Bishop Martyn said: “Bishop Guli’s contribution to the Diocese of Leicester has been hugely significant.
“She has championed our work with BAME heritage people and grown our links with a number of partner organisations.
“She has renewed our vocations work and helped to support clergy through the demands of the pandemic and lockdown.
“I give thanks to God for her ministry among us and assure her of prayers as she prepares to take up this new and demanding role. She and her family will be a wonderful gift to the Diocese of Chelmsford.”