The Right Reverend Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani at NJPN Conference.

 In an increasingly febrile social and political environment, Bishop Guli will explore some of the dynamics of public discourse, the implications for individuals and society, some possible solutions and opportunities for Christians and the Church to play a positive role.

Bishop Guli is  Bishop of Chelmsford and a Member of House of Lords. She previously served as the first Bishop of Loughborough, in the Diocese of Leicester, from 2017 to 2021. Guli arrived in this country as a refugee from Iran, aged 14. She was educated at Nottingham and Bristol Universities, training for ministry at The South East Institute for Theological Education. Ordained priest in 1999, Guli served her title in the Diocese of Southwark and has also worked in London and Peterborough Dioceses. She has a doctorate in theology and cross cultural mission, is Chair of the Board of Church Army and a contributor on Radio 4s Thought for the Day.