Bishop of Liverpool RESIGNS after being accused of sex assault and harassment amid church abuse scandal
Bishop of Liverpool RESIGNS after being accused of sex assault and harassment amid church abuse scandal
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THE ARCHBISHOP of Liverpool has stepped down after allegations of sexual assault and harassment. The Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath confirmed today he will be resigning from his role. The Bishop of Liverpool said he had been approached by Channel 4 regarding a story "containing allegations of inappropriate behaviour by me against two different women".
![[Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2afx2ap-new-archbishop-york-stephen-831123532.jpg?strip=all&w=960)
But Dr Perumbalath added that his decision was "not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability". In a statement, he said: "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.
![[Portrait of the Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath.]](https://www.thesun.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/timesgrab-image-taken-without-permission-828728155.jpg?strip=all&w=600)
He added: "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. “This is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability. “Rather it has become clear that stepping back from my ministry and waiting for the completion of further reviews would mean a long period of uncertainty for the diocese and all those who serve it.”.
His resignation comes as the Church of England is facing allegations of over various safeguarding failures. Last month, Justin Welby quit as Archbishop of Canterbury over the handling of a separate case. In a statement, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell said: "I acknowledge the decision made by the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath to resign from active ministry in the Church of England.
