A collective of prominent church officials in Liverpool has asserted that the city’s bishop, who is confronted with misconduct accusations from two women, should “step down”.
The Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath’s role is “untenable,” as stated by the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool in a letter endorsed by six individuals, including the Dean of Liverpool, Sue Jones.
This follows claims from one woman, who alleged that the bishop kissed her without permission and groped her, while another woman has accused him of sexual harassment, as reported by Channel 4 News.
Bishop Perumbalath has stated that he has “consistently denied” the allegations and has cooperated with every inquiry from the National Safeguarding Team (NST).
The diocese’s statement indicated: “After considering the opinions of clergy, congregations, and staff at the diocesan offices and the cathedral, it is with profound regret that the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool concludes that the position of Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath is presently untenable.
“We believe that the accusations raised by the female bishop require thorough and appropriate investigation.
“Furthermore, we hold the view that while these necessary investigations are underway, the Bishop of Liverpool must step down from all ministry within the Diocese of Liverpool.”
The letter was also co-signed by Debra Walker, chairperson of the House of Laity; Peter Dawkin, chairperson of the House of Clergy; Pete Spiers, Archdeacon of Knowsley & Sefton; Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, Archdeacon of Liverpool; and Simon Fisher, Archdeacon of St Helens and Warrington.
What is the Church of England’s response?
Following the Channel 4 broadcast, a Church of England representative reported that in 2023 a complaint alleging misconduct against Bishop Perumbalath was presented to the NST.
The representative stated that it was determined there was insufficient evidence to warrant a safeguarding-related complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) itself, but offered support to the woman should she choose to proceed.
They further noted that the matter was investigated by law enforcement, which led to no further action being taken.
Another complaint was subsequently made by a different woman, and the information was “explored and assessed not to be a safeguarding matter but a case of alleged misconduct,” according to the spokesman.
The second complainant failed to submit a CDM complaint within the prescribed one-year timeframe.
The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell. File pic: PA
She later sought permission to file a complaint post-deadline, which was backed by the Archbishop of York, yet was denied by an independent judge, specifically the Deputy President of Tribunals, as they mentioned.
Bishop of Newcastle ‘dismayed’
In the interim, the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Reverend Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, expressed her “shock and dismay” regarding the allegations aimed at the Bishop of Liverpool on X.
She remarked: “Once more, failures at the core of the Church of England’s institution, particularly among its leadership, erode credibility and trust in the church.”
Ms Hartley continued: “I have previously voiced my strong concerns regarding safeguarding failures and do so again. My stance has not changed, including those relating to the Archbishop of York [Stephen Cottrell].”
She has previously urged Mr Cottrell to resign and questioned his credibility after disconcerting revelations that a priest involved in a sex abuse case was twice reinstated under his leadership while he served as Bishop of Chelmsford.
A statement to Sky News from the Archbishop of York indicated he is “dedicated to enhancing independent oversight of safeguarding, transforming culture, and revisiting policies in light of scrutiny and evaluation of the Church of England”.
“This will be accomplished through committed actions taken consistently. It will not be an overnight process.”
The former victims’ commissioner Dame Vera Baird has persistently advocated for a comprehensive reform of the complaint regulations within the Church.
She told Sky News: “It has been handled entirely internally by individuals who prioritize the hierarchy over the individuals it should serve.
“What is truly shocking is that the Church of England has become so corrupt that there are repeated allegations time and again, which are not addressed appropriately.”
