Full Breakdown
Church of England Chaplain Reaches Settlement After Dismissal Over LGBTQ Sermon
7/27/2026, 2:35:34 PM
Chaplain’s Dismissal and Legal Outcome
The Rev. Bernard Randall served as chaplain at Trent College, an independent K-12 school in Derbyshire, for five years. In 2018 the school began working with Educate and Celebrate, a group that described its aim as “smash[ing] heteronormativity” and embedding queer theory in school culture. After a student questioned why pupils were required to accept LGBTQ ideology, Randall delivered a chapel address affirming traditional Christian teachings on marriage and biological sex while urging respect for differing views. School leaders subsequently suspended him, reported the matter to local police and the UK government’s Prevent counter-terrorism program, and the Diocese of Derby added him to a safeguarding blacklist. He was dismissed for gross misconduct, reinstated on appeal with strict content-approval conditions, furloughed during the pandemic, and ultimately made redundant at the end of 2020.
An initial employment tribunal ruled against Randall; the Employment Appeal Tribunal later set aside that judgment, ordered a full retrial and required Trent College to pay £20,000 in costs. The parties subsequently reached a confidential settlement, ending a seven-year legal dispute.
Background and Institutional Context
Educate and Celebrate, now dissolved, had partnered with Trent College to introduce LGBTQ-focused programming. The school’s response involved the Prevent programme, which assesses potential extremist threats; Prevent later concluded Randall did not pose a terrorist risk. The Diocese of Derby’s safeguarding blacklist labeled him a risk to children, a designation that contributed to his dismissal.
Official Statements & Responses
A review commissioned by the Diocese of London cleared Randall of all safeguarding allegations, describing the concerns as “unsubstantiated.” The Christian Legal Centre, which represented Randall, noted that he has completed mandatory safeguarding training and is eligible to return to public ministry. The Diocese of Derby issued a statement indicating it will continue supporting Randall’s potential return, directing him to current diocesan vacancies and the Church of England’s clergy transition services.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I objected to [it] at the time it started, and tried to discuss it with the senior leadership, [but] they weren't interested,” — The Rev. Bernard Randall
- “I encouraged pupils to think, to debate, and to love their neighbors whatever they believed. No minister, teacher or chaplain should be punished for upholding Christian teaching in a Christian setting,” — The Rev. Bernard Randall
- “The people who should support you most are the ones doing you harm,” — The Rev. Bernard Randall
- “I know that our American cousins and the people in the White House are looking at Britain and raising the question of free speech, and in Europe too as well,” — The Rev. Bernard Randall
Broader Implications for Free Speech
He referenced U.S. His comments highlight ongoing debate over the balance between inclusive school policies and the protection of traditional religious teaching.
