The Bishop of Liverpool, Dr. John Perumbalath, announced his resignation on January 30, 2025, following serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment, marking yet another tumultuous moment for the Church of England. The departure of the Right Reverend Perumbalath has drawn significant attention, particularly as it coincides with the Church's struggles to regain stability after the resignation of former Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, over separate safeguarding failures.
Allegations against Perumbalath were reported earlier by Channel 4 News, indicating he had been accused of kissing one woman without her consent and groping her, along with another woman who claimed to have been sexually harassed by him. The gravity of these claims has added pressure on Church leadership to address issues around safeguarding and misconduct more rigorously.
“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,” said Perumbalath upon announcing his decision. He clarified, “This is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability,” insisting his choice was made to alleviate what he described as distractions from his ministry and the uncertainty surrounding it for the diocese.
Perumbalath's resignation has raised eyebrows due to its timing, just months after he was enthroned as Bishop of Liverpool. A significant portion of the public and members of the clergy had called for him to step down, noting the need for clarity during the investigation process. His controversial tenure has become increasingly untenable as he faced multiple accusations within the church’s own internal reviews.
Despite the allegations, both police and the Church's National Safeguarding Team concluded there was insufficient evidence to take legal or disciplinary action. These findings, according to Perumbalath, have done little to quell media speculation or public scrutiny. “My trial by media (be it social or broadcast) has made my position untenable due to the impact it will have on the diocese of Liverpool and the wider Church whilst we await...” he stated, emphasizing the pressures posed by sensationalized reporting.
Adding to the complexity of the situation, the Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, has himself faced criticism for his handling of safeguarding matters within the church and will be responsible for appointing Perumbalath’s successor. Cottrell expressed respect for the Bishop's decision to resign and expressed his gratitude for Perumbalath’s service amid the ensuing turbulence. “I respect his decision and thank him for his ministry,” he stated, refraining from making strong comments about the allegations, showcasing how sensitive this matter remains at high levels of church leadership.
The recent string of misconduct allegations against high-ranking church officials signals what many see as systemic issues within the Church of England. Calls have surfaced for improvements to safeguarding policies to prevent such occurrences from overshadowing the church's mission and its community engagement efforts. The Liverpool diocese, which Perumbalath led, faces uncertainty about its next steps and long-term vision after his abrupt resignation.
Looking forward, church leaders are under immense pressure to address these issues comprehensively. No date has been set for when Perumbalath’s resignation will take full effect, but he announced he will not serve his responsibilities moving forward. His departure highlights the urgent need for institutional reforms and clear guidelines on how to handle allegations of misconduct within church ranks.
Despite his official denial of wrongdoing, the continuous media scrutiny and public discourse may influence the diocesan community and church at large, leading to questions about trust, accountability, and the church's future direction. Observers within the community hope for improvements to both the internal processes of investigations and the external communication strategies employed during sensitive allegations.
With the pressure mounting, many across the Church of England, especially those within the Liverpool diocese, are calling for immediate actions to be taken to restore faith and assurance among the clergy and parishioners. For now, the Church must navigate the turbulent waters left by Bishop Perumbalath’s resignation and address not only the allegations but also the broader structural changes needed to safeguard against future instances of misconduct.