UK School Chaplain Resolves Legal Dispute over Sermon

A former school chaplain in the United Kingdom has settled a legal conflict with his employer, concluding a seven-year struggle. Reverend Bernard Randall had been dismissed from his role after delivering a sermon about LGBTQ issues. This conclusion brings closure to a lengthy ordeal with his former employer, Trent College.

Randall served as a chaplain at Trent College in Derbyshire, England, for five years. His concerns arose in 2018 when the school collaborated with Educate and Celebrate, a group aiming to integrate queer theory in education. Randall opposed this alliance and attempted to address the issue with school leadership.

In 2019, prompted by student inquiries about LGBTQ ideology at a Christian institution, Randall delivered a sermon advocating for freedom of belief. He encouraged students to uphold traditional Christian views on marriage and gender while respecting differing opinions.

“I encouraged pupils to think, to debate, and to love their neighbors whatever they believed,” Randall remarked.

Following his sermon, Randall faced suspension, interrogation, and an investigation by the school and was reported to local authorities and the U.K.’s counterterrorism program, Prevent. The Diocese of Derby also blacklisted him as a potential risk to children.

Trent College dismissed Randall for gross misconduct, although he was later reinstated under strict conditions. After being placed on furlough during the pandemic, he was laid off on December 31, 2020.

Randall contested his dismissal with the backing of the Christian Legal Centre. An employment tribunal initially ruled against him, but an appeal overturned the judgment. The Employment Appeal Tribunal ordered a retrial and costs to be paid by Trent College, eventually leading to a confidential settlement.

A review by the Diocese of London cleared Randall of all safeguarding accusations, determining them to be “unsubstantiated.” Despite being cleared, Randall expressed concern over the Church of England’s handling of his case.

Reflecting on the broader implications for free speech, Randall noted concerns for its future in the U.K. He pointed to changes in public attitudes towards freedom of expression.

“Most people in Britain still value free speech,” Randall stated. “It used to be, when someone said something odd, we’d say, ‘Oh well, it’s a free country.’ I don’t hear that anymore.”

Randall awaits the Bishop of Derby’s approval for a return to public ministry, having completed safeguarding training. The Diocese of Derby confirmed ongoing support for his return to ministry and guidance on available roles.