The scandal rocked the community.
The Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath, has resigned following allegations of sexual assault and harassment, which he denies. His resignation came after Channel 4 News aired claims made by two women. One of the complainants, a female bishop, accused Perumbalath of sexual harassment, but her complaint was not fully investigated due to a time limitation under the Church of England’s Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM). The second woman, from the Diocese of Chelmsford, alleged that Perumbalath sexually assaulted her on multiple occasions, providing detailed accounts of inappropriate behavior during meetings from 2019 to 2023. While the National Safeguarding Team (NST) investigated the claims, no further action was taken by the police, and the Church stated there was insufficient evidence for a safeguarding complaint under the CDM.
The allegations prompted senior clergy in Liverpool to urge the Archbishop of York to have Perumbalath step down until a full investigation could be conducted. Perumbalath, in his resignation statement, denied the accusations, claiming they had been unsubstantiated by both the Church’s safeguarding team and the police. He also criticized the media coverage, which he described as a “trial by media.” Perumbalath stressed that the reports regarding his safeguarding record prior to his appointment as bishop were inaccurate, and he had undergone necessary development work as a new diocesan bishop.
The Archbishop of York expressed his respect for Perumbalath’s decision to resign and extended his prayers to those affected by the situation. He also confirmed that arrangements would be made for interim episcopal oversight of the Diocese of Liverpool. Meanwhile, senior clergy in Liverpool acknowledged the painful nature of the situation and pledged to support those impacted as they worked to ensure stability within the diocese during this transitional period.