28 October 2025
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev'd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani has today sent a Pastoral Letter to church leaders across Chelmsford Diocese. The letter reads as follows:
28th October 2025
Dear friends,
As I write, we are entering the season of Remembrance and beginning to look ahead to Advent. I’m mindful that for many of you the coming weeks will be particularly busy. I send you my greetings in the name of Jesus Christ and assure you of my prayers, that amidst the inevitable strains and pressures you will know a deep sense of God’s peace holding and guiding you.
May you be strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. (Colossians 1:11)
Living in Love and Faith
You will have seen recent communications about decisions made at the House of Bishops regarding Prayers of Love and Faith and the LLF process. Although all this awaits confirmation at the December House of Bishops and eventually General Synod in February, I’m acutely conscious that the news will have been very difficult for some, especially LGBTQI+ people and those who were hopeful of greater progress. I regret, sincerely, any hurt caused as the church struggles to demonstrate more fully and completely the love of God for those who feel marginalised, those who feel talked about but largely invisible, those whose calling and gifts are not being affirmed. I want to say loudly and clearly that our LGBTQI+ colleagues are valued and have a treasured place in the life of the Diocese. I’m grateful for your contribution and all you do, often with great humility and whilst carrying considerable pain. And let me reaffirm, too, that there is no place at all for ill will or intolerance towards you.
I also recognise that there are those holding to the traditional view of marriage and sexuality who may be disappointed at the lack of hoped for pastoral provision by way of alternative forms of oversight. As I have said many times, you and the churches you represent also have a respected place in our shared life. No one should feel compelled to use the Prayers of Love and Faith if they are not comfortable doing so.
If I may, I’d like to try to explain how I see the position we have arrived at. The options laid before us at the House of Bishops earlier in October by the LLF Programme Board made very clear that, at this point in time, any further changes (such as the use of Prayers of Love and Faith in bespoke services or permission for ordinands and clergy to enter same sex marriages), would require proper consent from General Synod and an accompanying code of practice. The code of practice would, in effect, have considerably altered our ecclesiology through the introduction of separate episcopal structures for a whole range of matters, including sponsoring bishops, the discernment process, ordinations and services of licensing for both lay and ordained roles. Not only would this significantly undermine our Anglican identity – changing the nature of episcopal ministry - but in a diocese like ours, it would also risk fracturing our shared life, putting huge pressure on our Area Scheme and our desire to maintain levels of consistency and a common direction of travel.
I appreciate that for some this might have been a price worth paying, with comparisons made to the Five Guiding Principles and women in the Episcopate. But let me gently remind us that in that case, the decision to consecrate women had gained a two thirds majority in General Synod, and it involved restricting the ministry of women without unravelling diocesan structures. In this case, the proposals (which have not had a two thirds majority in General Synod) would have involved a raft of structural and pastoral provision and would have moved us towards alternative or extended oversight, not on the basis of who a bishop is or what action they may have taken, but purely on the basis of the views they may hold. Arguably, that would have taken us to a level of such complexity that it would risk breaking the Anglican model entirely.
To those who are feeling angry and hurt that, if anything, the Church has gone backwards, not forwards, I acknowledge that you may well be feeling let down about a failure to reach the place of “radical Christian inclusion” promised by ++Justin in 2017. I want gently to remind you, however, that the Church has now commended the use of prayers of blessing for couples in same sex relationships, and there is open acknowledgement that there are different views among bishops about the nature of same sex relationships. Moreover, as bishops we are committed to working well with one another and respecting the differences amongst us, recognising that there is more than one way of interpreting Scripture and that all views are held sincerely and in good faith – that we are on a journey and need each other as travelling companions, to love and grow and learn together. These are not insignificant changes in a church that tends to think in centuries rather than years or even decades.
And to those who are frustrated or angry at the lack of separate pastoral provision, given there will not be a code of practice because there are to be no substantial changes at this time, I hope that we can move towards greater unity and closer relationships in the Diocese, in keeping with the values of Travelling Well Together. Unlike two or three other dioceses, we did not introduce temporary provision but chose to wait for national decisions, on the basis that we did not know where things would land and that it would be more difficult to roll back on any arrangements made, however short term. I believe that was the right thing to do and I sincerely hope that now, all those who are part of the Diocese will commit to respecting and loving one another across our differences and contributing to our shared life. I’ve used the analogy before – Jesus’ disciples all got into the boat with him – a motley group though they were. Being close to him meant they had to be close to one another, including (perhaps especially) during the storm (Matthew 8, Mark 4, Luke 8); a time of uncertainty and fear, analogous perhaps to what many are feeling now. There are many things over which we have differences of perspective, understanding and theology. Let us strive to be gentle and kind towards one another and to think well of each other, refusing to judge one another because not one of us can see deep into the heart and mind of another; that is for God alone. Our calling is to love one another, walk humbly before God and look outwards, in service, to the needs of the world.
Healing and Deliverance Ministry
Praying for those who are sick in body, mind or spirit has always been a vital part of the Church’s ministry, both in public worship and in private prayer and sometimes in the ministry of healing with individuals. I am delighted that The Revd Graham Dowling, Warden of the Retreat House in Pleshey, has agreed to be Bishop’s Adviser for Healing Ministry, and to help and support clergy in this ministry. The Church of England is regularly updating its guidance for good practice in this area in order to keep in line with fast-moving Safeguarding and legal developments and it is important that all involved in this ministry are familiar with the guidelines and follow the latest versions. The guidelines not only protect those with whom we pray but also protect those who offer this ministry. Do please take time to read the national guidelines which can be found with our own diocesan guidelines on Healing and Deliverance Ministry on the diocesan website: https://chelmsford.anglican.org/support-for-ministers/deliverance-ministry
A reminder that the Ministry of Deliverance can only be exercised by named priests who hold permission from me specifically for this ministry. I’m grateful to the Very Revd Paul Kennington who continues to be the Bishop’s Adviser for Deliverance Ministry in the Diocese and leads the Deliverance Team. If you are a priest and think Deliverance Ministry might be needed in your parish or pastoral area it is essential that you contact: deliverance@chelmsford.anglican.org.
Confirmation preparation and nurture courses
I imagine you have all heard about the Bible Society’s Quiet Revival report (click here to read), which suggests there are a growing number, especially of young men, attending church. The report has had a mixed reception, with some criticism of its methodology and findings. Whatever the rights and wrongs of this, there is no doubt that when I visit parishes across the diocese, anecdotally I hear many of you telling me that there is ‘something going on’, and that you are seeing more newcomers. Certainly, the Area Bishops and I have noticed a rise in the number of confirmation candidates for which we give thanks and rejoice.
So I wanted to take the opportunity to thank you for all you are doing to encourage a deepening of discipleship in your churches and to remind you of the vital importance of good nurture courses, Christian basics classes and confirmation prep; as well as the necessity for suitable follow up through house groups or other provision. Please make sure you send pen portraits of confirmation candidates to bishops several days before the service, along with any other information that may be useful; whether they are baptised, for example, or from another faith or Christian tradition. All this helps us with any necessary practical arrangements as well as enabling us to pray for the candidates.
Clergy hardship funds
I’m aware that financial pressures continue for some clergy and that most of us, at some points in our lives, will benefit from additional support. Can I remind you about the Clergy Support Trust whom you can contact confidentially, and also say that there are various other charities that provide me with funds, enabling me to give occasional grants. I have said this before: there is no shame in asking for help and I’ve been there myself. Please feel free to contact your Archdeacon, Area Bishop or my chaplain if you are struggling in any way and we will do our best to offer assistance as we are able.
Bishops' visits to parishes
A reminder that the Area Bishops and I are always delighted to receive invitations to parishes for Sunday services or special occasions, especially if it has been some time since you last had a visit from a bishop. Do please contact the relevant office to make arrangements, and it would be very much appreciated if you could hold off inviting two bishops in close succession so that we can ensure that, between us, we visit as many places across the diocese as possible.
And finally, I leave you with a prayer of Thomas Merton, the 20th century Trappist monk, theologian, writer and poet which I hope will provide encouragement, especially if you are feeling in any way confused or uncertain in your ministry or about the way ahead:
My Lord God,
I have no idea where I am going.
I do not see the road ahead of me.
I cannot know for certain where it will end.
Nor do I really know myself,
and the fact that I think I am following your will
does not mean that I am actually doing so.
But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you.
And I hope that I have that desire in all that I am doing.
I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire.
And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road,
though I may know nothing about it.
Therefore will I trust you always though
I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death.
I will not fear, for you are ever with me,
and you will never leave me to face my perils alone.
“The Merton Prayer” from Thoughts in Solitude
With assurance of my prayers and with my continued thanks and good wishes.
Yours,
Rt Revd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani
Bishop of Chelmsford
