29 April 2026
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev’d Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani has accepted an invitation to be the next President of the Association for Promoting Retreats.
Commenting on her appointment, Bishop Guli said:
“I am delighted to accept this invitation to become the next President of the Association for Promoting Retreats. Retreat houses play an important role in the life of the Church and for many of us, in our own faith journeys. A variety of retreat houses across the country provide beautiful spaces for stepping aside from every day pressures, to rest, to pray and to be refreshed. I have witnessed first-hand how people in the Diocese of Chelmsford appreciate these opportunities at our House of Retreat at Pleshey, which is a gift within the life of our diocese and to those who visit from further afield.
“I look forward to working with colleagues at the APR as we continue to make known the opportunity for retreats in one of the 80 or so houses we work with. I also want to say how grateful I am to Bishop John Stroyan for his faithful service as President and Acting President of the APR over many years.”
Founded in 1913, the APR exists to encourage Christian prayer and spirituality, especially through retreats.
The APR promotes the work of more than 80 retreat houses and retreat leaders across the UK and beyond. Through a bursary scheme, they also support 60 -70 people to go on retreat in one of these houses each year, to assist them with the cost.
APR Chair, Revd Cameron Butland said,
"We are delighted that Bishop Guli has accepted our invitation to become our next President. We look forward to working closely with her in supporting retreat houses, retreat leaders and all those looking for space and peace in their lives".
Bishop Guli succeeds the Rt Rev’d John Stroyan, the former Bishop of Warwick (2005 – 2023) who has served as President and Acting President of the APR since 2017.
Notes
Bishop Guli will serve as President of the APR alongside her role as Bishop of Chelmsford and her other roles.