The resignation of the Right Reverend Dr. John Perumbalath as Bishop of Liverpool follows serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment made against him by two women. The announcement, made on January 30, 2025, has stirred discussions about the Church of England's safeguarding protocols and the culture within its hierarchy.
Perumbalath's decision to resign came after allegations reported by Channel 4 News, including claims from one woman who accused him of kissing her without consent and groping her, and another who stated she experienced sexual harassment at his hands. Perumbalath has consistently denied any wrongdoing, noting, "This is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability. Rather, it has become clear... this story to become a distraction for this incredible diocese and its people whom it has been an honour and joy to serve." His resignation was accepted by the King, marking the end of his tenure which began only recently, as he became Bishop of Liverpool after being enthroned just last April.
Right Reverend Bev Mason, the Bishop of Warrington, has publicly identified herself as one of the complainants against Perumbalath. Mason expressed her concerns about the mishandling of the allegations, stating, "A bishop cannot be above the law," and emphasized the need for thorough investigations of the claims as well as reform within the church's judicial processes. She has been vocal about the necessity for transparency and accountability concerning such serious allegations.
On the day of his resignation, the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool collectively expressed their view on Perumbalath's position, declaring it "untenable" until the allegations were properly investigated. A letter signed by influential church leaders including the Dean of Liverpool, Sue Jones, stated they felt it necessary for the bishop to step aside during the inquiry process.
The allegations against Perumbalath reportedly stem from incidents primarily when he was serving as Bishop of Bradwell. Notably, police investigations found insufficient evidence to press charges, which has raised questions about transparency within the Church of England's own safeguarding framework. Critics, like Julie Conalty, the Bishop of Birkenhead, have pointed out flaws in how misconduct cases are handled, arguing, "Our complaint processes are not trauma-informed, they don't serve victims and survivors well." There is growing pressure on church hierarchies to address systemic issues related to gender and safeguarding failures.
Reactions pour forth from various quarters. The Bishop of Newcastle, Right Reverend Dr. Helen-Ann Hartley, expressed her shock and dismay at the revelations, calling for immediate reforms within the church to regain credibility with its congregation. Meanwhile, calls for accountability have also echoed from past victims' advocates, emphasizing the church's persistent confrontations with allegations and their inadequate responses.
Perumbalath’s resignation adds to the list of controversies the Church of England faces over its handling of safeguarding allegations, particularly after recent high-profile retirements due to similar issues, including the sudden resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby following allegations of mismanagement related to abuse cases. Amid this backdrop, the Diocese of Liverpool must now reckon with the aftermath of the scandal, which has highlighted vulnerabilities within its leadership structures.
Following the resignation, the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, acknowledged the challenges before the church and expressed commitment to ensuring stability during the transition. He assured the public of his dedication to tackling the complex issues surrounding church governance and safeguarding policies, emphasizing the need for independent scrutiny and cultural reform.
With the resignation of their bishop, the community of the Diocese of Liverpool must now navigate the turbulence of immediate concerns, grieving the potential long-term impacts on trust and faith within their church. Interim leadership will need to be established swiftly to maintain continuity, as church officials look to recruit Perumbalath's successor.
The crisis surrounding the Anglican Church continues to be intense and multifaceted. Allegations continue to intrude upon the institution's reputation, raising complicated questions about moral leadership, accountability, and the practicalities of safeguarding. Moving forward, the Church of England stands at a crossroads, with calls intensifying for transformative actions to protect both the victims of misconduct and the integrity of the church itself.