Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani: We were outsiders

Bishop Guli is currently the Bishop of Chelmsford, a city in
England, but it is also being reported that she’s one of the
leading candidates to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury -
the most senior bishop in the Church of England.


Although she is keen not to add to any media speculation, if
selected, Bishop Guli would be a remarkable choice. Not only
would she be the first woman to hold the position in the Church’s
long history, but she would also become the first person of
Middle Eastern heritage to hold the position too.


Born in Iran, her family came to the UK as refugees after her
brother was murdered in the wake of the Iranian Revolution.
Edward Stourton, presenter of BBC Radio 4’s Sunday programme,
speaks to Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani about her Persian identity
and her faith. The Interview brings you conversations with people
shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews
from the BBC. You can listen on the BBC World Service, Mondays
and Wednesdays at 0700 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as
a podcast, out twice a week on BBC Sounds, or wherever you get
your podcasts.


Presenter: Edward Stourton Producers: Ben Cooper, Katy Davis and
Lucy Sheppard Editor: Damon Rose


Get in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the
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(Image: Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani. Credit: BBC Radio 4/PA)