Bishop of Liverpool quits after sexual assault and harassment allegations
Bishop of Liverpool quits after sexual assault and harassment allegations
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Rt Rev John Perumbalath denies groping woman and kissing her without consent as well as sexually harassing another woman. The Bishop of Liverpool has resigned after he was accused of sexual assault and harassment. One woman accused the Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath of kissing her without consent and groping her, and another woman accused him of sexual harassment, according to Channel 4 News.
Dr Perumbalath said in a statement: “Having sought the permission of His Majesty the King, I have today taken the decision to retire from active ministry in the Church of England. “Earlier this week I was approached by Channel 4 News who informed me they would be broadcasting a story containing allegations of inappropriate behaviour by me against two different women.
“Since those allegations were made, I have consistently maintained that I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so. “Since the claims were made in 2023, they have been investigated and considered by experts from the National Safeguarding Team and had found them unsubstantiated.”.
Following the announcement of the bishop’s resignation on Thursday, Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “I acknowledge the decision made by the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath to resign from active ministry in the Church of England. I respect his decision.
“My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those who have been affected by this situation. “I am committed to ensuring stability during this time of transition and will be putting the necessary arrangements in place to provide episcopal oversight for the Diocese. An acting Bishop for the Diocese of Liverpool will be announced in the coming days.”.
