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The Rt Rev Guli Francis-Dehqani, an Iranian-born refugee who arrived in the UK as a teenager, has emerged as a leading contender to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury. If appointed, she would make history as the first woman to hold the position in the Church of England's 1,428-year history, Daily Dazzling Dawn understand.
Bishop of Chelmsford, Dr Francis-Dehqani is currently listed as the early favourite by bookmakers Ladbrokes and Star Sports to succeed Justin Welby, who is expected to step down later this year. She would become the 106th spiritual leader of the Church of England.
Her family, who are Christian, fled Iran in the 1970s due to persecution following the establishment of strict Islamic rule. Dr Francis-Dehqani was ordained in 1999 and served as Bishop of Loughborough before her appointment as Bishop of Chelmsford four years ago.
Known for her outspoken views on immigration policy, Dr Francis-Dehqani recently criticized Keir Starmer's immigration speech, emphasizing the welcoming and participatory nature of migrant communities within churches and wider society.
She is one of five women considered among the frontrunners for the role. The appointment of the next Archbishop of Canterbury is anticipated by the autumn.
