Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool, has officially announced his resignation following serious allegations of sexual misconduct. This decision, communicated to the clergy on January 30, 2025, arises against the backdrop of grave accusations made by two women, marking a tumultuous moment for both the diocese and the Church of England.
Bishop John, who had taken to his position with pride, stated, "I do not wish this story to become a distraction for this incredible diocese and its people whom it has been an honour and joy to serve." His remarks reflect the turmoil erupting within the Church due to these allegations, including specific claims of sexual assault and harassment.
Details of the incidents allege non-consensual actions by Bishop Perumbalath, who served as Bishop of Bradwell prior to his Liverpool appointment. The accusations reportedly stem from events between 2019 and 2023, when he was said to have approached a woman without consent for kissing and engaged in groping, along with harassing another female bishop.
Channel 4 News reported these allegations, prompting the Bishop to respond swiftly, denying all wrongdoing. He is adamant about his stance, saying, "I have consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants." Further supporting his claim, Bishop John noted, "The allegations raised in Essex were also investigated by the police who took no action."
The allegations surfaced publicly amid increasing scrutiny on the Church of England’s handling of similar circumstances, prompting calls for immediate investigations. Senior clergy within the diocese, who previously expressed doubts about Bishop John's capacity to lead, underscored the untenable situation, stating, "Having listened to clergy, congregations and staff... we feel the position is currently untenable." These calls were not taken lightly, as respect for the Church's commitment to safeguarding is at the center of this turbulence.
Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, also weighed in on the Bishop’s resignation, acknowledging the impact of these serious claims and offering prayers for all involved. Cottrell affirmed, "My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those who have been affected by this situation," underscoring the sensitivity of the atmosphere within the diocese.
The resignation marks another chapter of tension within the Church of England, already grappling with its comprehensively inadequate handling of safeguarding issues. Since the subsequent police involvement after the complaints, it was noted there were no substantial findings against Bishop John, with investigations from the National Safeguarding Team concluding similarly.
Perumbalath's final letter to the clergy shed light on personal responsibility, stating, "I have taken this decision for my own well-being, my family and the best interests of the diocese." His decision is seen less as admission of wrongdoing but rather as one to avert prolonged crisis and uncertainty within church leadership and structures.
There's a sense of urgency as the church now looks to restore confidence and stability. Arrangements for episcopal oversight during this transition period will presumably fall under the Archbishop of York's guidance. He committed to ensuring the necessary structures would be put in place as Liverpool navigated this challenging time.
This resignation not only reflects individual decisions but also raises significant questions about the broader operational integrity of leadership within the Church of England and how best to safeguard its congregants. It emphasizes the need for transparency and strong governance, especially as ecclesiastical bodies deal with historic and contemporary challenges surrounding safeguarding.
Going forward, the Church stands at a crossroads, forced to not only address the allegations against Bishop John but also to solidify its frameworks and practices to prevent future occurrences. The path taken by each involved will likely shape the reconstruction of trust within the Church and its relationship with the community.