Bishop of Liverpool 'needs to step aside', say Diocese leaders

Bishop of Liverpool Right Reverend Doctor John Perumbalath at Liverpool Cathedral
-Credit:Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo


Senior leaders of the Diocese of Liverpool have said the Bishop of Liverpool's position is "untenable" following allegations of misconduct against him. The Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath, who has been Bishop of Liverpool since 2023, last night denied any wrongdoing after allegations of sexual assault and harassment were made against him in a Channel 4 News report.

One woman accused Bishop Perumbalath of kissing her without consent and groping her and another woman accused him of sexual harassment, according to Channel 4. In a statement, Bishop Perumbalath said he has "consistently denied" the allegations and complied with any investigation from the National Safeguarding Team (NST).

Today, senior members of the Diocese of Liverpool wrote to the Archbishop of York calling on the Bishop to step aside. The statement said: "Having listened to clergy, congregations and staff at the diocesan offices and the cathedral it is with deep regret that the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool feel that the position of the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath is currently untenable."

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The statement was signed by Debra Walker, Chair of the House of Laity, Peter Dawkin, Chair of the House of Clergy, Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool, Pete Spiers, Archdeacon of Knowsley & Sefton, Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, Archdeacon of Liverpool and Simon Fisher, Archdeacon of St Helens and Warrington.

Bishop Perumbalath has denied the allegations made against him, and said in a statement: "The allegations set out in this programme are in relation to encounters that took place in public settings, with other people present. I have consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants. I have complied with any investigation from the National Safeguarding Team. The allegations raised in Essex were also investigated by the police who took no further action.

"Whilst I don’t believe I have done anything wrong, I have taken seriously the lessons learnt through this process addressing how my actions can be perceived by others. I will comply with any investigation deemed necessary. I take safeguarding very seriously and work hard to provide proper leadership in this area."

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In response to the Channel 4 programme, a spokesperson for the Church of England said that in 2023 a complaint of alleged misconduct against Bishop Perumbalath was brought to the NST and concluded that there was not sufficient evidence to bring a safeguarding-related complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) itself but offered the woman support if she wished to do so.

They also said the complaint was investigated by police which resulted in no further action. A further disclosure was made by another woman, and the information was "explored and assessed not to be a safeguarding matter but a matter of alleged misconduct", the spokesperson said.

An earlier letter addressed to the people of Liverpool and signed by leaders of the Diocese of Liverpool said: "Like you we were shocked and saddened by the allegations broadcast by Channel Four News. We recognise how difficult this will have been for people across our diocese to hear and we all need time to take stock.

"As leaders in the Diocese of Liverpool we want our diocese and our churches to be places where everyone is and feels safe. We know all our churches are committed to the best possible safeguarding practice, and to upholding the dignity of all people, which is why the allegations set out by Channel 4 are so upsetting.

"We understand that some of allegations against the Bishop of Liverpool have been investigated and found unsubstantiated by the National Safeguarding Team. We are aware the police in Essex have taken no action with regard to one allegation. However, we understand that an allegation of misconduct was not fully investigated, and we believe that in the interests of justice this should now happen.

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"Above all we recognise that this will be a shock and surprise to many. Some will be angry and some will feel let down. We are available for those who wish to talk and encourage anyone who is a victim of abuse to report it so it can be properly investigated."

The leaders said: "Over the next few days and weeks we will need to decide how we move forward together as a diocese. We have a great deal of work to do." They finished: "These are difficult times for the Diocese of Liverpool and we need to come together to create a safe church, a place where we can love and serve the Lord."

The ECHO asked the Diocese of Liverpool if the allegations were known, and if so, considered when the appointment of Bishop Perumbalath was made. The ECHO understands that the Bishop is appointed by the King in a process run by the Crown Nominations Commission, who decide on the appointment and then carry out background checks. The ECHO understands the decision is not made by the local diocese.