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Church of England appoints first bishop for housing
A bishop for housing has been appointed by the Church of England as part of the church’s efforts to help tackle the UK housing crisis.
Bishop of Loughborough Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani will take up the new role, which will see her lead the church’s efforts in tackling housing inequality, later in the year when she becomes Bishop of Chelmsford.
Her appointment comes ahead of next month’s publication 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.
As part of her new role, Bishop Guli will lead on the efforts to implement the recommendations from the commission.
Bishop of Barking Peter Hill will serve as deputy and further support will be provided by Bishop of Kensington Dr Graham Tomlin, who is currently vice-chair of the commission.
The group will work alongside dioceses and other church bodies, as well as strengthening relationships with housing associations, developers, national organisations and landowners.
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One aim will be to ensure the Church of England uses its own land well to help resolve the housing crisis wherever possible.
The news was announced today by Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby at one of the National Housing Federation’s Summit Shorts events.
Archbishop Justin said: “In April 2019 I set up a commission to look at what the church could do to resolve our housing crisis and to strengthen our communities.
“That commission will report next month, but has already recommended that the church appoints a bishop for housing to ensure that we follow through on its recommendations.
“I am delighted that Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani 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 the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Housing, Church and Community is inspirational.
“I’m delighted to be joining others in working to ensure that the aspirations become reality and the hopes are translated into concrete change. It will be a privilege to be part of this.”
Charlie Arbuthnot, chair of the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Commission on Housing, Church and Community, said: “Over the past two years, the Housing, Church and Community Commission has been brought face to face with the harsh and painful reality of our housing crisis.
“Our longing as a commission is that we can make a difference.”
