BISHOP OF LIVERPOOL RESIGNS AMID SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS
The Bishop of Liverpool has stepped down following allegations of sexual assault and harassment made against him.The Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath stated he did not want to be a "distraction" after claims were presented in a Channel 4 News investigation.
He emphasized that his resignation was "not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability".
Accusations included one woman claiming the bishop kissed her without consent and groped her in Chelmsford, Essex, where he was Bishop of Bradwell, between 2019 and 2023.
A female bishop also reported being sexually harassed by him.
Police investigations concluded that no further action was necessary, and the Church of England found no case to answer.
Despite this, there were widespread calls for him to step aside after the programme aired, with church leaders stating his position was "untenable".
Bishop Perumbalath, who was enthroned as Bishop of Liverpool in 2023, previously denied all allegations, stating he "consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants".
He also indicated that investigations by the National Safeguarding Team had found the claims unsubstantiated and that he had "maintained that I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so".
Due to the intense media scrutiny, he decided to retire for his own well-being and that of his family, as well as for the best interests of the Diocese.
He announced his decision to step back from ministry, emphasizing that it was to prevent a long period of uncertainty for the diocese and that he would not be actively ministering or leading the Diocese from that point forward.
His resignation followed a letter from church leaders including the Dean of Liverpool and Archdeacons, who believed his position was currently "untenable".
Archbishop Cottrell, who has faced his own calls to resign over safeguarding concerns, publicly expressed respect for Perumbalath’s decision and assured that a new acting bishop would be appointed soon to maintain stability.
