Chaplain Overturns Church of England Safeguarding Blacklisting After Legal Victory

Dr. Bernard Randall, a chaplain at Trent College, has achieved a significant legal victory after a seven-year battle. His efforts led to a settlement with the college and the overturning of a safeguarding blacklisting by the Church of England. The legal challenges were supported by the Christian Legal Centre, which assisted in addressing the treatment he received from both the school and his diocese.

The case against Dr. Randall began when he delivered a sermon in 2019 on freedom of belief and gender identity. The sermon, which was rooted in Anglican doctrine, encouraged debate and was presented as pastoral. It followed an invitation from the school to the campaign group Educate and Celebrate, which promotes Queer Theory and aims to challenge traditional views on gender and sexuality.

Despite the sermon aligning with the Church of England’s teachings on marriage and human identity, Dr. Randall faced severe consequences. He was reported to Prevent without his knowledge and blacklisted by the Diocese of Derby as a safeguarding risk. The diocese claimed that his biblical beliefs posed a risk, even suggesting that the Church itself was a risk factor.

The Bishop of Derby, Libby Lane, imposed a requirement for Dr. Randall to undergo an independent safeguarding assessment by a psychologist with experience in assessing serious offenders. Dr. Randall refused, stating that such an assessment would imply guilt. The process was described by a senior CofE lawyer as “egregious” and flawed.

Following a retrial, the courts found the original judgment unsafe due to potential bias. Trent College was ordered to pay Dr. Randall £20,000 in costs, and a confidential legal settlement was reached. This marked a turning point, allowing Dr. Randall to return to his role as a chaplain and preach in church again.

The case highlights the tension between expressing biblical beliefs and safeguarding concerns within educational and religious institutions. It underscores the importance of accountability, justice, and the need for fair treatment of individuals within these systems. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, we are called to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God.

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