Bishop for Housing appointed to probe housing crisis

Updated by January ,24, 2021

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The Church of England has named its first Bishop for Housing, ahead of the publication of a report following a two year commission investigation into the country’s housing crisis.

Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, appointed by the Archbishop of Canterbury, will look at tackling housing inequality and examining possible solutions.

Bishop Guli, currently the Bishop of Loughborough, will take up the new role later this year. The Bishop of Barking, Peter Hill, will serve as deputy and the Bishop of Kensington, Graham Tomlin will provide support.

They will work alongside church bodies, rental and housebuilding groups.

A statement says: “The aim is to ensure the Church of England can play its part including, wherever possible, using its own land well to help resolve the housing crisis.”

Archbishop Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, says: “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.”