The Bishop of Liverpool, Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath, has announced his retirement from active ministry amid allegations of sexual misconduct involving two women, both of whom he has denied any wrongdoing against. This decision, described as immediate, marks a significant moment amid growing scrutiny surrounding issues of safeguarding within the Church of England.
Perumbalath, stating he had lost the confidence of senior officials within the diocese, cited the media's role as detrimental to his position, calling it a 'trial by media'. After being approached by Channel 4 News with information about allegations of inappropriate behavior against him, he felt compelled to act. "Having sought the permission of His Majesty the King, I have today taken the decision to retire from active ministry in the Church of England," he explained.
Among the serious allegations, one woman accused the bishop of kissing her without consent and groping her, which he has vehemently denied. A second woman also alleged sexual harassment, adding to the gravity of the situation. Despite this, the bishop contended through his statements, the accusations had been assessed by the National Safeguarding Team and determined to be 'unsubstantiated'. He commented, "I have consistently maintained I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so."
Perumbalath also noted the circumstances under which the allegations came to public attention, expressing frustration over the 'rush to judgment' he believes took place. He indicated the situation had turned his role within the diocese 'untenable', leading to his decision to resign from leading the diocesan affairs immediately.
Archbishop of York, Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, expressed respect for Perumbalath's decision. “My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those who have been affected by this situation,” he stated, highlighting the emotional strain not only on the bishop but also on the church community at large. The resignation occurs at a time when the Church of England is reckoning with its approach to safeguarding and how it handles allegations against its members.
Notably, the accusations come following years of scrutiny over the church's handling of misconduct claims, and this latest incident adds urgency to calls for reform within the institution. Perumbalath's position has become precarious as the allegations have sparked discussion about the Church’s internal processes and accountability mechanisms.
The bishop emphasized his retirement was not due to any fault or admission of liability but was rather to prevent the allegations from distracting the diocese from its mission. “This is not about guilt or innocence, it's about the ability to serve effectively,” he stated.
Despite the allegations, the Church of England defended Perumbalath earlier this week, asserting the processes followed were appropriate and rigorous. They indicated one of the complaints was made after Perumbalath formally took the position of Bishop of Liverpool and was reviewed appropriately by their safeguarding team, with no current risks identified. "A learning outcome was identified with which the bishop fully engaged," a spokesperson from the church noted.
While the allegations have undoubtedly triggered backlash and called for external scrutiny, they have also reignited discussions about misconduct within the Church of England, especially as the body continues to face pressure on multiple fronts. Calls for increased transparency and accountability have surged, and the impact is felt not just within the diocese but throughout the wider institution.
The retirement of Perumbalath raises questions about the future of the Diocese of Liverpool and how it will navigate this period of turmoil. Many await the church's next steps, recognizing the need for stronger protocols and safeguards to protect not only its members but also the integrity of its governance.
The fallout from this situation highlights the complex interplay between personal accountability, institutional reputation, and the very real experiences of those coming forward with allegations. For the Church of England, the challenge will be to learn from these incidents and implement necessary changes to restore confidence within its ranks and the communities it serves.