The Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath, has resigned following serious allegations of sexual abuse and inappropriate behavior, igniting renewed scrutiny on the Church of England's handling of such claims. This decision, announced on January 30, 2025, follows reports aired on Channel 4 News detailing accusations made by two women, including fellow Bishop Bev Mason, who leveled claims of sexual harassment against Perumbalath.
Perumbalath, who continuously denied the allegations, stated, "I have consistently maintained I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so." He also asserted this resignation was not due to fault or liability but was rather prompted by the overwhelming media scrutiny and public trial he faced. He expressed his desire not to detract from the important work of the Diocese of Liverpool—saying, "This rush to judgment and my trial by media has made my position untenable due to the impact it will have on the Diocese of Liverpool and the wider church whilst we await reviews and next steps."
The allegations surfaced publicly just days before his resignation, on January 28, 2025, when Channel 4 reported details of the accusations against Perumbalath specifying incidents spanning from 2019 to 2023. Despite these damaging claims, the Church's safeguarding investigations had reportedly found insufficient evidence to issue formal complaints against him.
Perumbalath was appointed Bishop of Liverpool on January 20, 2023, and was officially enthroned on April 22, 2023. The claims being made against him by Bishop Mason, who filed her complaint back in March of 2023, have complicated the church's initiatives on safeguarding and transparency. Bishop Mason, publicly declaring herself the complainant, indicated her willingness to support associated processes and emphasized the painful nature of the situation.
This resignation follows turbulent times for the Church of England, particularly after the high-profile resignation of Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, amid independent findings showing he should have acted more decisively to prevent child abuse cases. The current Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, responded to Perumbalath's resignation with respect, affirming, "I respect his decision and thank him for his ministry." Cottrell emphasized his commitment to ensuring stability during this transitional period and promised to facilitate the appointment of an acting Bishop for the Diocese of Liverpool.
Church leaders, including Debra Walker, Chair of the House of Laity, expressed their sorrow at the developments, stating, "This is a deeply painful situation, and we hold all concerned in our prayers." The church hierarchy is determined to arrange for proper oversight during the vacancy left by Perumbalath.
Perumbalath’s assertion of his innocence reflects the ambiguity and challenges inherent within the Church of England's current safeguarding protocols. He articulated the necessity for time to allow investigations to proceed properly and avoid inflamed public and media backlash. He expressed concern for the community he served, noting the distress this situation could cause and articulately described his aim to focus on the welfare of the diocese and its clergy.
With John Perumbalath stepping back from his role as Bishop, the path forward for the Diocese of Liverpool now lies with interim leadership until formal arrangements can be settled. The investigation-related uncertainties surrounding this case mirror broader conversations about accountability within institutional hierarchies, particularly concerning safeguarding practices.
Various members of the church community are now left grappling with the fallout from this situation, raising questions about the effectiveness of safeguarding processes and the need for reform. Perumbalath's resignation marks not just the end of one episcopal leadership but also highlights the urgent need for change within church structures to handle allegations like these sensitively and effectively.
The specific date for Perumbalath's official exit from his role is yet to be determined, but the immediate concern remains the stability and integrity of the Diocese of Liverpool. His resignation is expected to lead to more comprehensive discussions on how the Church of England addresses allegations of misconduct, especially with regard to balancing transparency and supporting those affected by such allegations.