The Bishop of Chelmsford, Guli Francis-Dehqani, has strongly advocated for the Christian duty to speak "steadfast, prophetic words" into the nation's political life.

In her speech at the Catholic-based National Justice and Peace Network conference in Swanwick, she emphasised that the church's mission-seeking justice, peace, and spreading the good news of Christ is inherently political.

"Christ came to free the captive and bring good news to the poor, that was a political act," she stated.

Bishop Guli has been a leading voice in advocating against the Rwanda bill and participating in housing provision discussions.

In her speech, she also asserted that Christians have a responsibility to amplify the voices of the voiceless and vulnerable.

Citing Bishop George Bell, who opposed bombing during the Second World War, she noted the importance of the church and politics remaining distinct and independent, acknowledging the moral convictions of MPs as being as strong as those of the bishops.

She also addressed the low voter turnout in the general election, challenging the audience to transform disengagement and apathy into a quest for "truly just" politics, aiming to heal division, pursue peace, and seek justice.