The Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend Dr. John Perumbalath, has announced his resignation following serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment, which have cast a shadow over his short tenure. Days before the announcement, Channel 4 News aired reports detailing the accusations from two women, one of whom is also a bishop.
According to the Channel 4 investigation, one woman accused Perumbalath of kissing her without consent and groping her, with incidents allegedly occurring over several years. The other complainant, the Right Reverend Beverly Mason, Bishop of Warrington, has stepped forward, confirming she is one of the accusers and stressing the need for proper ecclesiastical judicial processes.
“A bishop cannot be above the law,” Mason stated, highlighting her commitment to ensuring due process. “If anything, a bishop must be held to greater scrutiny. This is a biblical imperative.” Perumbalath has consistently denied the allegations, expressing his desire for the matter not to become a distraction from the work of the church.
“This is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability,” he said, acknowledging the impact the allegations had on his role. “Rather it has become clear…that stepping back from my ministry would mean a long period of uncertainty for the diocese.” His resignation not only affects his ministry but also raises concerns about how the Church of England handles allegations against its leaders.
The claims against Perumbalath surfaced during his appointment as the Bishop of Liverpool, which took place only recently, and they have created tensions within the Anglican community. The National Safeguarding Team had previously looked at similar allegations and indicated no safeguarding concerns, yet the statement didn’t fully investigate the complaints lodged by Mason.
“The complaint was assessed not to be a safeguarding matter but rather alleged misconduct,” said a spokesperson for the Church of England, reflecting on the handling of these allegations. The inevitability of investigations has raised eyebrows, not just about the bishop's actions but also about the church's protocols for dealing with misconduct allegations.
Perumbalath, who was born in Kerala, India, and has served the Church of England since 2001, explained during his resignation announcement how he felt victimized by the media portrayal of his situation. “Since those allegations were made,” he said, “I have consistently maintained I have not done anything wrong.”
Further complicity issues arise from the church’s governance and appointment processes, particularly concerning how the allegations came to light. Critics, including members of the clergy, express concern over the mechanisms of safeguarding within the church governance system. Allegations of bullying during Perumbalath's appointment have prompted serious discussions among church members about transparency and accountability.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, has rejected claims of coercion or bullying by the church's Crown Nominations Committee during Perumbalath’s appointment. “The CNC's ballot process ensures…to prevent coercion or undue influence,” he emphasized, maintaining integrity within the nomination process for bishops.
Despite denials from the bishop, the episode highlights systemic issues related to safeguarding and ecclesiastical accountability within the Church. The allegations include specific details of inappropriate behavior, such as incidents involving unwanted physical contact and suggestive remarks. For example, one accuser has described instances of non-consensual intimacy, stating he held her head tightly during unwanted kisses.
Following Perumbalath's resignation, senior clergy are working with the Archbishop of York to provide necessary oversight for the Diocese of Liverpool. “We will be liaising with the archbishop to establish interim episcopal oversight for the diocese,” said clergy members, acknowledging the difficult path forward.
Many involved express hope for healing and reflection amid this painful transition. Mason emphasizes the need for the church to critically assess its mishandling of complaints, urging the church to acknowledge the gravity of misconduct claims within its ranks.
The Church of England has stated it will provide support as necessary to those affected by the situation. The widespread coverage of these allegations has sparked discussions not only about individual accountability but also about broader structural reforms needed within church governance.
While the investigations continue, the fallout from Perumbalath’s resignation will likely influence how the church approaches safeguarding and allegations of misconduct moving forward. This episode serves as both a warning and a call to action for the Church of England, emphasizing the importance of creating environments where everyone feels safe and valued, and where accountability takes precedence over institutional protection.