U.K. vicar cleared after 7-year legal battle over gender ideology

The Rev. Bernard Randall, 53, an Anglican clergyman, reached a settlement with his former employer and was cleared in a Church of England safeguarding investigation after seven years of litigation, according to the Christian Legal Centre. Randall in 2019 preached a sermon regarding gender ideology while working as a chaplain at an Anglican school, Trent College. He taught, in accordance with the Church of England’s official doctrine, that marriage was between one man and one woman. He said students should debate secular teachings on gender ideology, while urging them to respect alternate views. The school reported Randall to a government counterterrorism agency and eventually fired him, while he simultaneously faced an inquiry from the Church of England and was barred from preaching.

The settlement between Trent College and Randall was confidential, according to the Christian Legal Centre. However, the legal nonprofit noted that a judge ordered the school to pay nearly the equivalent of $27,000 to cover Randall’s legal fees. The Diocese of London also concluded that Randall’s teaching did not pose a risk to vulnerable children and adults, following a yearslong safeguarding investigation, according to the Christian Legal Centre.

Can Randall preach again? He has been cleared of all wrongdoing, but under the Church of England’s rules, local church authorities must give him permission to officiate services. It was unclear if leaders in the Diocese of Derby would give him that permission or provide a way for him to reenter full-time ministry, according to the Christian Legal Centre. The Bishop of Derby previously denied his request for a license after the school fired him. Randall might also face punishment again if he preaches another sermon on marriage and gender ideology, his legal team said.

Dig deeper: Listen to Jenny Lind Schmitt’s story on Randall’s legal troubles for more details.