A Fight Against Prejudice, Injustice, and False Allegations
A Fight Against Prejudice, Injustice, and False Allegations
Latest: Nov. 14, 2025
Case Update: A Successful Preliminary Hearing!
We are pleased to share a really positive development. The recent preliminary tribunal hearing went well, and the case has now been confirmed for an extended 7-day hearing on 1-9 June 2027. Additiona…
Read moreOur friend is a single man who has dedicated his life to the Christian church as a Baptist minister. He has led a number of large churches successfully during his career but, sadly, he is the victim of discrimination, having been dismissed from his job and ministry by powerful individuals in his current church, the headquarters of the Baptist Union of Great Britain (BUGB) and the area division of the BUGB structure following a pre-emptory process managed by BUGB.
There is no justification for dismissal in law or morally, and this seems to have arisen from the fact of quietly being a celibate gay man in a church environment, which doesn’t deal well with persons who are suspected of being other than heterosexual. Trivial criticisms of our friend were cloaked in secrecy through misuse of a safeguarding policy, leaving church members imagining the worst. His reputation has been destroyed by scurrilous, totally unfounded rumours viciously circulated and re-circulated to somehow justify the action taken, having absolutely no basis in reality.
With the involvement of powerful church structures, we are remaining anonymous to protect our friend’s identity and allow the legal process to proceed with integrity.
We are a group of members of the congregation with knowledge of the fabrications kept from the wider church who have been appalled by this treatment and have been supporting our friend to date financially. He has legal representation, and his solicitor and counsel believe he has a very strong case of discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation. Our twin aims in seeking support for legal fees for the next steps through CrowdJustice are:
- to vindicate his good name, and
- to ensure he can challenge his dismissal at the employment tribunal, in order to seek financial redress, but also, importantly, to deter future discrimination of others by this denomination towards a more inclusive approach.
The claim has been submitted and listed for preliminary and final hearings. Our initial target for legal fees is £5k with a stretch target of £50k to meet legal bills to either settlement or conclusion.
This time has been incredibly difficult for all involved. It has taken a profound toll on our friend, who has carried the weight of false accusations and character assassination in silence, with dignity and grace. It has shaken many of us to witness how a man of faith, integrity, and pastoral care could be so mistreated by the very institution he has served for decades.
We would be deeply grateful for any support you are able to give, whether financial or by sharing this campaign. Justice must prevail, not only for our friend’s sake, but to ensure that others never have to endure such treatment in silence. Your help can make a real difference. Thank you.
Friends Supporting a Church Minister Seeking Justice
Nov. 14, 2025
Case Update: A Successful Preliminary Hearing!
We are pleased to share a really positive development. The recent preliminary tribunal hearing went well, and the case has now been confirmed for an extended 7-day hearing on 1-9 June 2027. Additional days have been allocated so that every part of the evidence can be properly examined, and an amendment was granted which further strengthens our position. An important point is that substantive evidence supports our friend’s claims. His lawyers are confident his employment by the church will be successfully established, as well as the hold that the Baptist Union has over the Church and its decision-making. The Baptist Union has long argued that Baptist ministers are not employees and, as such, have no employment protections. If successful, this case will confirm that full employment rights for Baptist ministers exist, including unfair dismissal and protection against discrimination.
This is a huge milestone and reflects the thorough work that has been done and the strength of the evidence submitted. We move forward with real momentum, determination and faith.
To everyone who has supported so far — thank you. You have helped get us to this point.
How you can help now
If you believe in truth, fairness, and a church culture shaped by integrity, we would be so grateful if you could stand with us:
Give if you are able — whether it’s £10, £50, £100, or more
Share our fundraiser — your voice could connect us to someone who can help
Pray — this matters more than you know!
Every contribution, large or small, is meaningful.
You are not just donating — you are taking part in righting an injustice and helping ensure that discrimination and misuse of safeguarding cannot go unchallenged in the Church.
We are deeply appreciative of every person walking this road with us.
Thank you for your support.
Friends Supporting a Church Minister Seeking Justice
July 20, 2025
Case Update: DBS Takes No Action on Safeguarding Referral
We’re sharing an important and encouraging update in our friend’s legal case.
Following the disciplinary process that led to his dismissal, allegations of safeguarding issues (when none exisited) were vindictively referred to the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) — a serious step with significant implications.
We can now confirm that the DBS has completed its review and determined that no action will be taken.
Our friend has not been barred from working with children or vulnerable adults, and remains fully eligible to serve.
This decision is a crucial development. Safeguarding concerns were central to the rationale given for dismissal — but this independent conclusion confirms there was no basis to take safeguarding action.
While the damage to his reputation has been painful, this outcome reinforces the strength of the legal case and affirms what many of us believed from the beginning: that the dismissal and process was unjust and it can be seen that the safeguarding process was “weaponised” against our friend.
Thank you so much for your continued support — through donations, sharing the campaign, and offering encouragement. Your help is making a real difference as we continue to pursue truth and justice.
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