“What happened should shake us to the core”…It was the reaction of the Bishop of Chelmsford Guli, Francesco-Dehqanileading the women’s choir of the Anglican Church, after meeting the abuse perpetrated by John Smyththe lawyer and sadist who for more than four decades punished with his rod and they sexually assaulted 130 minorsmostly recruited in Christian camps.
The scandal has propitiated the fall of the Archbishop of CanterburyJustin Welby, who took on his “personal and institutional responsibility” (he oversaw some of those camps and exchanged Christmas cards with Smyth until his death in 2018). The Church of England now enters a period of penitence and contrition which will last perhaps until next autumn, with the election of successor amidst the turbulence.
Libby Lane She was the first woman ordained bishop in 2014, after a historic change in canon law that ended five centuries of male exclusivity. Guli Francis-Dehqani followed in his footsteps three years later. And now he can take up Welby’s baton as Archbishop of Canterbury, shoulder to shoulder with the favorites with the Archbishop of YorkStephen Cottrell and the Bishop of LeicesterMaryn Snow (and with two other women, the Bishop of Gloucester, Rachel Treweek, and the Prelate of Dover, Rose Hudson-Wilkin, on the shortlist).
Guli Francis-Dehqani, 57, stands out among everyone for her unusual personal story. Born in Irandaughter of an Anglican bishop and a British missionary in the Shah era, He saw his older brother murdered when he was 14 during the Islamic revolution and in full persecution of Christians.
She came to the UK as a teenager as a refugee and her first love in life was art and music. After reaching the age of 20 years and influence of his father, Hassan Dehqani-Taftihe decided to study Theology and Philosophy at the University of Bristoland dedicated his doctoral thesis to his mother: Religious feminism in the age of empire: women missionaries in Iran.
At 33 she was ordained dean and soon after priest at Southwark Cathedral. He combined his two passions as a chaplain to the Royal Academy of Music, got married and in 2004 obtained permission to look after his three children. She returned to her full-time position in the Diocese of Peterborough and was elected a member of the General Synod.
In 2017 she made history as the first bishop of an ethnic minority of the Anglican Church and her career took off until she was appointed spiritual lord (the bishops of the Church of England who are part of the House of Lords), and was chosen AS one of the three bishops who supported King Charles at his coronation.
All this without biting your tongue Yes break a spear for “social justice” and for everything he learned from his father after his tragic personal experience with his brother’s murder: “We preach forgiveness and reconciliation. Our faith is worth nothing if we fall short in times of tribulation”.
Guli Francis-Dehqani has earned quite a bit of criticism we remember “the loss of innocent lives in Gaza as the international community moves forward sell weapons to IsraelHe acknowledges that he has suffered “personal attacks” for defending what he considers “just causes” and is aware that this can diminish his support in the moment of truth: “I could see in my family that this thing was not going to go forward.” be an easy path. But that’s part of the sacrifice when you hear the calling. Not doing so would be like not taking on my role.”
How can the Church of England effectively implement reforms to address past abuses and foster a more inclusive environment?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Dr. Emily Thompson, Expert on Religious Leadership and Gender Studies
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Thompson. The revelations regarding the abuse perpetrated by John Smyth have shaken the Church of England to its core. What are your thoughts on the impact of this scandal on the church’s leadership?
Dr. Emily Thompson: Thank you for having me. This scandal is indeed monumental. It not only reflects a deep moral failure but also highlights systemic issues within the Church that have allowed such abuses to go unchecked for decades. The resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby signifies a crucial point of accountability. His personal connections to the camps where these abuses occurred raise serious questions about oversight and responsibility in leadership roles.
Time.news Editor: Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani has expressed the need for the Church to confront this wrongdoing and enter a period of penitence. How important is this shift towards accountability for the Church’s future?
Dr. Emily Thompson: It’s absolutely vital. Acknowledging wrongdoing is the first step toward healing, both for the victims and the institution. Guli Francis-Dehqani’s call for repentance indicates a desire for genuine reflection and reform, which can serve as the foundation for rebuilding trust within the Church and with its congregants. This is particularly significant as the Church looks to elect a new Archbishop amidst these turbulent times.
Time.news Editor: Speaking of new leadership, Guli Francis-Dehqani has quite a unique background. How does her history as a refugee from Iran and her experiences as a woman in the clergy shape her perspective in this leadership role?
Dr. Emily Thompson: Guli’s journey enriches her perspective immensely. Growing up during a time of great turmoil in Iran, and experiencing personal tragedy, gives her a deep understanding of suffering and resilience. As a woman who rose to prominence in a traditionally male-dominated institution, she embodies hope and transformation. Her theological insights and personal experiences uniquely position her to advocate for marginalized voices within the Church, particularly those of abuse survivors.
Time.news Editor: With significant figures like the Bishop of Leicester and the Bishop of York also in the running for the Archbishop position, what dynamics do you foresee in this upcoming transition period?
Dr. Emily Thompson: The dynamics in this transition are critical. There is a historic opportunity here to break from the past and elect a leader who embodies the principles of inclusivity, transparency, and accountability. If Guli or another female candidate were to be elected, it could mark a transformative shift in the Church of England, one that prioritizes the voices and experiences of both women and victims of abuse. It’s a chance for the Church to reshape its identity and begin to rectify its historical wrongs.
Time.news Editor: As we look ahead to the upcoming election for the Archbishop, what key changes do you think are necessary for the Church to heal and move forward?
Dr. Emily Thompson: First and foremost, the Church needs to prioritize safeguarding measures and ensure that accountability mechanisms are in place for all clergy. Transparency is crucial. Additionally, creating spaces where victims can share their stories without fear of retribution can facilitate healing. embracing diversity in leadership, particularly through women and individuals of varied backgrounds, can help foster a culture that values compassion and justice.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Thompson, for your insights today. The road ahead for the Church of England is undoubtedly challenging, but your perspectives shed light on the potential for meaningful change.
Dr. Emily Thompson: Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial time for the Church, and I sincerely hope this scandal leads to a more inclusive and accountable institution.