37,000 sign petition to see CofE vicar reinstated

A petition calling for the reinstatement of Dr Bernard Randall to ministry in the Church of England has reached more than 37,610 signatures.

The Church of England vicar is awaiting a decision whether he can appeal a ruling rejecting his unfair dismissal and discriminations claims against a CofE school. He lost his job after giving a sermon on accepted CoE teachings on human sexuality. He is also taking legal action against the Diocese of Derby.

A spokesperson for the Diocese told en neither it nor the Bishop of Derby could comment because of ongoing legal proceedings.