Bishop of Liverpool Announces Retirement Amid Misconduct Allegations

Featured & Cover Bishop of Liverpool Announces Retirement Amid Misconduct Allegations

The Bishop of Liverpool, the Right Reverend Dr John Perumbalath, has announced his retirement shortly after facing allegations of misconduct from two women, one of whom is a fellow bishop. The accusations, which span incidents from 2019 to 2023, have cast a shadow over his tenure, though he continues to deny any wrongdoing.

One of the allegations comes from a woman who claimed that Bishop Perumbalath kissed her without her consent and groped her on separate occasions. The second accusation, made in 2023, comes from another senior figure within the Church of England—Rt Revd Beverley Mason, the Bishop of Warrington—who has publicly identified herself as the second complainant.

In her statement, Bishop Mason stressed the importance of accountability within the Church, saying, “A bishop cannot be above the law. A bishop cannot be dealt differently from a priest. If anything, a bishop must be held to greater scrutiny. This is a biblical imperative.”

Despite the seriousness of the allegations, Bishop Perumbalath, 58, has firmly denied all claims. In his retirement letter, which was shared online by the Diocese of Liverpool on Thursday, he reiterated his stance: “Since those allegations were made, I have consistently maintained that I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so.”

The bishop’s letter also confirmed that he had sought permission from King Charles III before making his decision to retire from active ministry. “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 wrote.

Addressing the impact of the allegations on his role, Perumbalath stated, “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 emphasized that his departure was not an admission of guilt, adding, “This is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability.”

While the exact date of his formal retirement has yet to be determined, Bishop Perumbalath has stepped back from all ministerial duties and leadership responsibilities within the Diocese of Liverpool as of Thursday.

Explaining his decision, he wrote, “I have taken this decision for my own well-being, my family, and the best interests of the Diocese. I have informed the Archbishop of York of my decision, and I understand he will put in place the necessary arrangements for episcopal oversight of the diocese for the remainder of my time here and during the vacancy.”

Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, who himself has faced criticism over separate safeguarding issues, acknowledged the bishop’s retirement. “I respect his decision and thank him for his ministry,” Cottrell said. “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.”

The Diocese of Liverpool, which had urged the bishop to step aside just a day before his announcement, expressed support for his decision in an official statement. “We acknowledge his decision in taking this step for the good of the Diocese of Liverpool. This is a deeply painful situation, and we hold all concerned in our prayers.”

An acting bishop is expected to be appointed in the coming days to oversee the diocese during this transitional period.

The allegations against Bishop Perumbalath were first brought to the attention of the Church of England in 2023 and were reported publicly by Channel 4 earlier this week. The Church confirmed that the complaint made by the female bishop—now known to be Bishop Mason—was “looked into according to statutory safeguarding guidance… and an independent risk assessment undertaken.”

The Church’s review concluded that there were no ongoing safeguarding concerns regarding the complaint, though it did identify a “learning outcome” with which Bishop Perumbalath reportedly “fully engaged.”

Shortly after the initial investigation, another woman came forward with additional allegations. According to the Church, this disclosure was “assessed not to be a safeguarding matter but a matter of alleged misconduct.”

Bishop Mason later confirmed that she was the second complainant. In her statement, she detailed her involvement, saying she was first informed of the complaint against Bishop Perumbalath in March 2023. “I raised what I believe were significant concerns, which included my own disclosure,” she said.

Expressing frustration with the Church’s handling of the situation, she added, “We as a church have not properly and satisfactorily addressed concerns that have been raised.” Mason voiced hope that her public disclosure would prompt a more transparent approach moving forward. “There will be no more defensiveness but an honest scrutiny of what we are doing, how we are doing it, where the gaps sit, and how we address them,” she said.

The situation has placed the Church of England under intense scrutiny, raising questions about how allegations of misconduct, especially involving senior clergy, are managed. The calls for greater accountability and transparency within the Church have grown louder in recent years, particularly regarding safeguarding issues and the treatment of survivors of abuse.

As the Diocese of Liverpool braces for leadership changes, the focus remains on ensuring that the allegations are thoroughly addressed and that the Church demonstrates a commitment to justice and pastoral care. The upcoming appointment of an acting bishop is seen as a critical step in maintaining stability during this turbulent period.

Meanwhile, the broader Church of England continues to face challenges related to safeguarding reforms, clergy misconduct, and internal governance. The case of Bishop Perumbalath has highlighted ongoing tensions within the Church over how to balance pastoral responsibilities with the need for institutional accountability.

As investigations and internal reviews continue, many within the Church hope that this case will serve as a catalyst for meaningful change. For now, the Diocese of Liverpool must navigate this complex transition while striving to support all individuals affected by the recent revelations.

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