Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani—once a young refugee fleeing post-revolution Iran—is now poised to become the first woman to lead the Church of England as Archbishop of Canterbury.
Born in Isfahan in 1966, Guli’s early life was steeped in faith and upheaval. Her father, Hassan Dehqani-Tafti, was the Anglican Bishop in Iran and a prominent Christian figure during a time of political unrest.
When the Islamic Revolution swept across the nation in 1979, it forced the family into exile after surviving an assassination attempt that wounded her mother.
Tragically, Guli’s brother Bahram was murdered in 1980—an act believed to be linked to the family’s religious prominence.
The Dehqani family eventually found refuge in the UK, where Guli’s journey of healing and spiritual purpose took root.
Over the years, she has risen through the Church’s ranks with grace and conviction, currently serving as the Bishop of Chelmsford—one of the largest dioceses in the country.
Now, bookmakers have placed her as the frontrunner to succeed Archbishop Justin Welby when he steps down—an event widely expected to occur soon.
If selected, Guli would not only break gender barriers but also become the Church’s first non-white Archbishop in its 1,428-year history.
But Guli’s potential rise is about more than symbolism. Known for her advocacy for inclusion and critique of the Church’s strategic blind spots, she represents a voice of reflection and reform at a time when the Anglican Communion faces questions about its relevance and global identity.
“The Church needs to do more than just reflect society—it needs to lead with compassion and vision,” she once remarked in an interview, emphasizing the need for diversity not only in background but in thought and leadership.
