Bishop of Liverpool Resigns Amid Sexual Abuse Allegations
Senior clergy members from the Diocese of Liverpool are calling for a thorough investigation into allegations of misconduct against Bishop John Perumbalath. In a pastoral letter, six senior leaders, including the Dean of Liverpool and two archdeacons, expressed their shock and sadness over the claims, acknowledging the difficulty of the situation for the community.
The allegations, first reported by Channel 4 News, involve a woman who accuses Bishop Perumbalath of sexual assault on multiple occasions between 2019 and 2023, while he served as the Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford. Additionally, a female bishop has alleged that he sexually harassed her.
The Church of England has responded by stating that one of the complaints was not filed within the required one-year deadline under its Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) rules. Though the Archbishop of York supported the complainant’s request for an exception, an independent judge denied it.
The pastoral letter also highlights that some allegations against the bishop had already been investigated and found unsubstantiated by the National Safeguarding Team. “Some of the allegations against the Bishop of Liverpool have been investigated and found unsubstantiated by the National Safeguarding Team. We are aware the police in Essex have taken no action with regard to one allegation. However, we understand that an allegation of misconduct was not fully investigated, and we believe that in the interests of justice, this should now happen.”
The letter continues, “Having listened to clergy, congregations, and staff at the diocesan offices and cathedral, it is with deep regret that the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool feels that the position of the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath is currently untenable.”
The senior leaders argue that the allegations made by the female bishop must be fully investigated and, in light of this, they believe Bishop Perumbalath should step aside from all ministry in the Diocese of Liverpool while the investigations are ongoing.
In response to the growing pressure, Bishop John Perumbalath has announced his retirement from active ministry. In a letter to the Diocese of Liverpool, he denied any wrongdoing, claiming that he had been subjected to a “trial by media” and a “rush to judgement” that had made his position untenable.
“Earlier this week, I was approached by Channel 4 News, who informed me they would be broadcasting a story containing allegations of inappropriate behaviour by me against two different women,” Bishop Perumbalath wrote. “Since these allegations were made, I have consistently maintained that I have not done anything wrong, and I continue to do so.”
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Bishop Perumbalath pointed out that the National Safeguarding Team had assessed the allegations and found them unsubstantiated, and that one of the allegations had been investigated by the police, who decided not to take further action. Despite this, he expressed frustration that media coverage had portrayed him as guilty.
He concluded his letter by announcing that he would step down as Bishop of Liverpool “with immediate effect,” citing the loss of confidence from senior diocesan leaders who had called for a full investigation into the allegations and urged him to step aside.
The 58-year-old bishop had served as the Bishop of Liverpool since 2018 but had come under increasing scrutiny following Channel 4 News’ report, which detailed the accusations of sexual assault, including non-consensual kissing, groping, and other inappropriate behaviour, committed while he was Bishop of Bradwell.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, issued a statement respecting Bishop Perumbalath’s decision to resign, adding, “My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those who have been affected by this situation.”
The allegations have led to calls for the Church of England to reform its disciplinary processes, particularly regarding the handling of misconduct allegations. As the investigation into the claims continues, the Diocese of Liverpool and the Church of England are under intense scrutiny, with clergy and laity alike hoping for a fair and transparent process to address the matter.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://news.sky.com/
