The Bishop of Liverpool, United Kingdom, Dr. John Perumbalath, has announced his retirement following allegations of sexual assault and harassment.
The Right Reverend Perumbalath stated that he did not want to be a “distraction” after a news channel investigation brought forward claims from two women.
Despite maintaining his innocence, he emphasized that his decision was “not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability.”
In his statement, Bishop Perumbalath reiterated that he had “consistently denied” the allegations, stating that the police had investigated but decided to take no further action.
Bishop Perumbalath said, “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”.
One of the allegations involves a woman accusing him of non-consensual kissing and groping on separate occasions between 2019 and 2023 when he was the Bishop of Bradwell.
Another claim comes from a female bishop who alleged that he sexually harassed her.
In his official statement, Perumbalath 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.”
He explained that he was contacted by a news channel earlier in the week regarding a forthcoming report detailing accusations of inappropriate behaviour towards two women.
According to Perumbalath, both the Church’s Safeguarding Team and the police had cleared him, and no further action had been taken against him.
However, he expressed frustration over the media’s portrayal, stating that he has been treated as “guilty.”
He also refuted claims that he had failed the safeguarding assessment process before being appointed Bishop of Liverpool.
“My trial by media (be that 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 further reviews and next steps. 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,” he said.
Despite stepping down, Perumbalath reiterated that “this is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability.”
“I have taken this decision for my own well-being, my family and the best interests of the Diocese. The exact date when my role will formally end is not yet determined. There are protocols to observe that I will now be attending to,” he added.
Though his official departure date remains undecided, he has stepped back from active ministry with immediate effect and has also informed the Archbishop of New York of his decision.
