28-07-2025
Gender-critical school chaplain: I've been put through six years of shame
A school chaplain who was sacked after telling children they were free to question LGBT policies has told how he is still living in 'shame and spiritual exile' six years later.
The Rev Bernard Randall, 52, lost his job at Trent College in Derbyshire and was referred to the Government's Prevent counter-terrorism programme after delivering a sermon to pupils.
During the 2019 sermon, Dr Randall discussed identity politics and said pupils did not have to agree with LGBT teaching.
Following the referral, Prevent found no reason to take action and an internal panel later reinstated Dr Randall before he was made redundant in 2020. He has not worked with the Church since.
Speaking to the Mail on Sunday, he said: 'This has been six years of silence, shame and spiritual exile. I have been punished not for wrongdoing, but for believing.
'I am speaking out because I know I am not alone and because no one should suffer in silence for staying true to their faith.'
Dr Randall, who is married and has a daughter, said: 'I got part-time work with an adult education provider. So we're OK, but we've definitely had to tighten our belts.'
Despite being cleared of wrongdoing over the 2019 sermon, Dr Randall was barred from preaching after a decision by the Rt Rev Libby Lane, the Bishop of Derby, over concerns that he could pose a risk of harm to children.
A tribunal ruled that while there were 'serious errors', Bishop Lane personally did not have a case to answer.
However, it was decided that the Church 'should look at this matter again and that it might be appropriate' for an independent team to start from scratch, according to the newspaper.
In June, Dr Randall had a preliminary meeting with a Church of England safeguarding adviser and the Bishop of Derby's deputy.
However, while Dr Randall said he stressed in June that his sermon reflected official Church doctrine and not his personal opinion, he claims that the safeguarding officer said 'things that are controversial... could significantly lead to harm'.
Dr Randall said: 'The whole thing has been hanging over us and of course my stress and distress is felt by them [my family], especially my wife, who sees me suffering and can do very little about it.'
The Telegraph has approached the Church of England and the Diocese of Derby for a response to Dr Randall's claims.
