Rev. Bernard Randall, a former chaplain at Trent College in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, is embroiled in a legal battle with the school’s headteacher, Bill Penty, following his dismissal in 2019. Randall claims he was harassed and discriminated against after delivering a sermon about LGBT teachings. The dismissal led to an unfair dismissal claim, which Randall lost, prompting him to appeal the ruling.
In the sermon, Rev. Randall expressed that pupils as young as 11 “do not have to accept the ideas of LGBT activists.” While this viewpoint aligns with the Church of England’s teaching on marriage, it triggered complaints from some students, parents, and staff members who found it emotionally distressing. As a result, Rev. Randall was removed from his chaplain role and reported to the Government’s counter-terrorism watchdog, Prevent.
The subsequent employment tribunal ruled against Rev. Randall’s claims, affirming the school’s genuine and reasonable redundancy process. Additionally, the referral to Prevent was deemed justified “from a safeguarding perspective” by the judge. However, Christian Concern revealed that Mr. Penty had further referred Rev. Randall to the Teaching Regulation Authority (TRA) and the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
The TRA chose not to pursue a case against Rev. Randall, while the DBS’s decision is pending. In response to the TRA referral, Rev. Randall initiated legal action against Mr. Penty, alleging harassment and discrimination. A full hearing is expected in 2024.
Rev. Randall expressed his feelings about the situation, stating, “When I found out about the referral, it felt vindictive and malicious to say the least. I’d love to move on with my life, but now have no choice but to continue to fight for justice.” Mr. Penty declined to comment on the ongoing tribunal proceedings, citing respect for the legal process.