[1][8] She studied theology at the University of Bristol, graduating with a Master of Arts (MA) degree in 1994 and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in 1999.
[8][1] Her doctoral thesis was titled Religious feminism in an age of empire: CMS women missionaries in Iran, 1869–1934.
[10] She was ordained a priest the following Michaelmas (2 October 1999) by Wilfred Wood, Bishop of Croydon, at All Saints', Kingston-upon-Thames.
[11] From 1998 to 2002, she served her curacy at St Mary the Virgin, Mortlake with East Sheen, in the Diocese of Southwark.
[12] In 2011, Francis-Dehqani returned to full-time ministry, having been appointed Curate Training Officer for the Diocese of Peterborough.
[8] In addition to her suffragan duties, she also had "a focus on supporting Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) clergy, lay workers and congregations" within the diocese.
[22] In 2023, she was one of 44 Church of England bishops who signed an open letter supporting the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith (i.e. blessings for same-sex couples) and called for "Guidance being issued without delay that includes the removal of all restrictions on clergy entering same-sex civil marriages, and on bishops ordaining and licensing such clergy".