Chaplain settles LGBT sermon unfair dismissal case

Rev Bernard Randall, a chaplain at Trent College in Long Eaton, Derbyshire, has reached a confidential settlement with the school after being dismissed in 2019 over a sermon he delivered to students. The sermon expressed Randall's belief that certain LGBT-related ideas were incompatible with Christian values. After losing an unfair dismissal claim and appealing, his dismissal was overturned, but he was later made redundant after refusing reduced hours.

Trent College was ordered to pay Randall around £20,000 in legal costs. The controversy began when Randall questioned why students were expected to accept all LGBT beliefs in a Christian school. He expressed concern that the school's inclusivity program was promoting identity politics and using ideologically loaded terminology. Despite facing complaints from pupils, parents, and staff, Randall was removed from his role and referred to the Prevent watchdog and the Teaching Regulation Authority.

In March 2025, the Employment Appeal Tribunal ruled the original judgment unsafe, leading to the settlement. Randall stated that he encourages students to think, debate, and love their neighbors, regardless of their beliefs.