A school chaplain in the United Kingdom, Rev. Bernard Randall, has reached a confidential settlement with his former employer, ending a seven-year legal dispute. Randall was dismissed and blacklisted after delivering a sermon on LGBTQ issues. He served as chaplain at Trent College in Derbyshire, England, for five years. His sermon focused on freedom of belief and conscience.
Background and Sermon
In 2018, Randall became concerned about Trent College’s partnership with Educate and Celebrate, a group aiming to “smash heteronormativity” and promote queer theory. Randall’s disagreement with this prompted a sermon in which he advocated for students’ rights to hold traditional Christian views while encouraging respect for differing beliefs.
“I encouraged pupils to think, to debate, and to love their neighbors whatever they believed.”
The sermon led to Randall being interrogated, suspended, and reported to local authorities, including the UK’s counterterrorism program, Prevent. Although Prevent found no terrorist threat, the Diocese of Derby blacklisted him as a safeguarding risk.
Legal Battle and Settlement
Randall’s dismissal was initially for gross misconduct but he was later reinstated with restrictions. After being furloughed during the pandemic, he was laid off at the end of 2020. Supported by the Christian Legal Centre, Randall challenged the dismissal, leading to an Employment Appeal Tribunal ordering a full retrial and requiring Trent College to pay £20,000 in costs. The settlement followed this ruling.
An independent Church of England review cleared Randall of safeguarding allegations, stating they were “unsubstantiated” and found no harm.
Free Speech Concerns
Randall has spoken about his worries regarding free speech in the UK, especially with growing restrictions on religious expression. He expressed hope that ongoing scrutiny by international bodies will support the importance of free speech and freedom of conscience.
Future Prospects
Having completed mandatory safeguarding training, Randall is eligible to return to public ministry. He awaits Permission to Officiate from the Bishop of Derby. The Diocese has indicated support for Randall’s return to ministry, offering guidance on potential vacancies.
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