News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Bishop-Guli-seating-1325-1630782858banner.jpg
Diocese of Chelmsford
Bishop-Guli-seating-1325-1630782858.jpg
Diocese of Chelmsford
World News

Bishop found out about crucial Coronation role in 'roundabout way'

by Donna Birrell

 

The bishop who will be carrying the King’s chalice during the Coronation says she found out she was taking part in the event ‘in a roundabout kind of way.’

Rt Rev Guli Francis-Dehqani, who is the Bishop of Chelmsford said a fellow bishop had attended a rehearsal and seen her name on the Order of Service before she herself had received an invitation. She told Sky News :

“Some months ago, the archbishop asked me just in passing what I was doing on 6 May, so that was just a small hint that there might be something coming, although I absolutely didn't take anything for granted.

"Then a fellow bishop - a colleague who is also playing a role in the service - attended a rehearsal that I wasn't able to be at, and saw my name on the order of service before I had actually received the invitation myself.

"So he told me that it was likely coming - so a slightly roundabout way, but nonetheless a real joy."

Bishop Guli will be one of three female bishops taking part in the service – as well as carrying the chalice she will administer wine to the King and the Queen Consort during Holy Communion. 

This is the first time female bishops have been able to participate in a Coronation because women bishops were only announced in the Church of England nine years ago.

Bishop Guli said :

"It's obviously a huge honour and a privilege and a great surprise to me, but something I'm looking forward to tremendously and feel really honoured to be a part of. It is an extraordinary experience to have the opportunity to go through and to then be able to share it with my family and tell my children about it and so on. It becomes part of our family history as well as part of the broader history of the life of this nation and indeed of the Church of England."

 

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate