Church of England Chaplain Faces Ongoing Controversy Over LGBT Views

The Reverend Dr Bernard Randall, a former school chaplain at Trent College in Derbyshire, continues to face challenges within the Church of England, six years after he stated that students need not accept LGBT ideology. His comments, made during a sermon, have led to a prolonged conflict with church authorities, raising significant questions about freedom of speech and safeguarding within the institution.

Dr Randall, 52, has been at the centre of controversy since his sermon in 2019, where he articulated the Church’s traditional teachings on marriage. Following his remarks, the independent school referred him to the government’s anti-radicalisation programme, known as Prevent, despite the fact that subsequent investigations found no evidence of any risk posed by his statements. In 2020, he was made redundant from his position, which has left him in a state of uncertainty regarding his future within the Church.

He describes the past six years as a period of “silence, shame, and spiritual exile,” noting that he has been treated as a risk despite the absence of any allegations or evidence against him. Reflecting on his situation, Dr Randall shared, “I have been punished not for wrongdoing, but for believing.” This sentiment echoes his belief that the Church has shifted its focus to maintaining an appearance of progressivism rather than upholding fundamental Christian values.

Legal and Emotional Struggles

The emotional toll of the Church’s actions has been profound for Dr Randall and his family. He has experienced significant financial strain, relying on charitable grants and part-time work to make ends meet. “I had to have a tooth extracted because I couldn’t afford a crown,” he revealed, illustrating the extent of his hardships. Dr Randall also expressed concerns about the upcoming renewal of their mortgage, a situation that many families can empathize with in challenging economic times.

The Right Reverend Libby Lane, the Bishop of Derby, has refused to grant Dr Randall a licence or permission to officiate, citing concerns from her safeguarding team about how he would support individuals struggling with their sexuality. This decision has been particularly painful for Dr Randall, who believes he has been discriminated against due to his orthodox views on gender and sexual orientation.

Despite the Church’s actions, Dr Randall maintains that his sermon aligned with the official doctrine of the Church of England. He argues that the Church has become “a corporate machine” more focused on optics than on genuine care and compassion. His supporters assert that Dr Randall’s case is emblematic of a broader issue regarding censorship and the stifling of free speech within religious institutions.

Calls for Justice and Recognition

In November 2024, Dr Randall submitted a petition to the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, calling for the Church to acknowledge his plight and to restore his position. The petition, signed by over 38,000 individuals, reflects a growing concern among many in the Church community and beyond regarding the treatment of clergy who express traditional views on sexuality.

Dr Randall’s case has garnered the attention of legal advocates, including Andrea Williams from the Christian Legal Centre. Williams argues that the Church’s continued treatment of Dr Randall as a safeguarding risk, without presenting any concrete evidence, constitutes a violation of his rights. She stated, “This is a clear abuse of process and a violation of his rights. It is heartbreaking to see a man of faith and integrity suffer so profoundly for doing what he was called to do.”

As the Church of England grapples with numerous scandals and internal conflicts, the situation surrounding Dr Bernard Randall serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in navigating faith, ideology, and institutional governance. The outcome of his ongoing struggle may have lasting implications not only for his future but also for the broader conversation about the role of traditional beliefs within modern religious frameworks.