A prominent bishop of the Church of England is being urged to resign following allegations of inappropriate behavior.
A woman has asserted that John Perumbalath, the Bishop of Liverpool, forcibly kissed her, groped her, and uttered lewd remarks on multiple occasions between 2019 and 2013.
Recalling one incident during a chapel music event, she stated: “He pressed his face close to mine, whispered ‘I love you’ softly in my ear, and then moved his mouth down to my neck, just below my ear.
‘He then opened his mouth, caught a piece of my skin between his lips, and released it.’
Another female bishop, one among 31 within the Church of England, has also accused Perumbalath of sexual harassment, as reported by Channel 4 News on Tuesday.
Key figures from his local community are now demanding his resignation.
A declaration endorsed by six senior leaders of the Diocese of Liverpool mentioned: “After considering the perspectives of clergy, congregations, and staff at both the diocesan offices and the cathedral, it is with profound regret that the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool believes the position of the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath has become untenable.”
“We believe that the allegations brought forth by the female bishop warrant a thorough and comprehensive investigation.
“Furthermore, we strongly feel that whilst these investigations are underway, the Bishop of Liverpool should temporarily step away from all duties within the Diocese of Liverpool.”
This letter was signed by Debra Walker, the chair of the House of Laity, chair of the House of Clergy Peter Dawkin, and Dean of Liverpool Sue Jones.
Additionally, it included signatures from Archdeacon of Knowsley & Sefton Pete Spiers, Archdeacon of Liverpool Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, and Archdeacon of St Helens and Warrington Simon Fisher.
Perumbalath previously stated: “The allegations presented in this program relate to interactions that occurred in public environments, with other individuals present.
“I have consistently refuted the claims made against me by both complainants. I have cooperated with any inquiries from the National Safeguarding Team.
“The allegations made while I was in Essex were also investigated by law enforcement who took no further action.
“While I do not believe I have done anything amiss, I have taken the lessons learned from this process seriously, particularly regarding how my actions can be perceived by others.
“I will adhere to any necessary investigation. I regard safeguarding as paramount and strive to provide effective leadership in this regard.”
The allegations— which Perumbalath refutes— pertain to his time as Bishop of Bradwell in Essex and were initially brought to the attention of church officials prior to his becoming Bishop of Liverpool in 2023.
No safeguarding concerns were flagged by a Church panel in connection with the first woman’s claims, while the complaint from the female bishop was not accepted due to being submitted over a year after the alleged event.
The failure to suspend Perumbalath during the investigation, alongside a Church judge’s refusal to extend the one-year timeframe, has led to accusations of a cover-up by church authorities.
This situation is partly attributed to the involvement of the acting head of the Church of England, Stephen Cottrell, who was Bishop of Chelmsford when Perumbalath served as a junior bishop in that area and who was informed of the allegations before Perumbalath’s enthronement in Liverpool.
Cottrell ascended to the highest position within the Church of England following the resignation of his predecessor Justin Welby, who resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury last year over his supervision of abuse cases.
Welby had not ensured a comprehensive investigation regarding the ‘atrocious’ abuse of over 130 boys and young men that began in the 1970s at the hands of John Smyth QC.
Cottrell has also faced pressure to resign due to his handling of a sexual abuse case during his tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford.
He was reportedly aware of a priest retaining his position despite previously being barred from being alone with children and having financed compensation to a sexual abuse victim.
In connection with the recent allegations against Perumbalath, Reverend Robert Thompson, a member of the Church of England’s highest governing body, the General Synod, charged Cottrell with a cover-up.
“The fact that it involves Stephen Cottrell amplifies numerous concerns regarding his own conduct,” he remarked.
“This could very well be yet another instance of a church cover-up. One of the fundamental challenges facing our church leadership is a protectionist culture among bishops regarding each other’s behavior. Many of us are aware that this occurs regularly.”
A representative for the Church of England confirmed that safeguarding protocols were adhered to, stating: “A learning outcome was recognized, with which the bishop fully engaged.”
They added that the initial complainant was provided with support to file a complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure, while Cottrell endorsed the female bishop’s attempt to have the one-year deadline extended.
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