In a significant move, senior members of the Diocese of Liverpool are urging Bishop Dr. John Perumbalath to temporarily relinquish his duties amid serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment that have surfaced, as reported by Channel 4 News.
Allegations and Denial
The allegations involve two women, one of whom is a fellow bishop, who claims that Dr. Perumbalath engaged in sexual harassment.
The bishop has firmly denied these allegations.
According to a statement from the Church of England, the complaint lodged by the female bishop was reviewed but ultimately deemed unrelated to safeguarding protocols, categorizing it instead as possible misconduct.
The Church noted that her complaint did not comply with the one-year time limit required by the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM), and her attempt to file a complaint after this period was refused.
A Church of England representative shared that the second accuser also did not submit her complaint within the one-year timeframe.
Although she sought permission to file it later, Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell showed support for her case.
Nevertheless, an independent judge ultimately dismissed her request.
Response from the Diocese
Throughout this process, Archbishop Cottrell has reportedly offered pastoral support to the second complainant, although he was not involved in the safeguarding or disciplinary decision-making.
In a letter to Archbishop Cottrell, senior clergy from the Diocese of Liverpool expressed their collective concern about the bishop’s situation.
After discussions with clergy, congregational members, and diocesan staff, they unanimously agreed that the allegations raised by the female bishop require a comprehensive investigation.
To facilitate this inquiry, they insist that Dr. Perumbalath step back from his ministerial responsibilities.
Signatories of this correspondence include influential figures such as Debra Walker, Chair of the House of Laity of the Liverpool Diocesan Synod, Peter Dawkin, Chair of the House of Clergy, along with other archdeacons from the diocese.
Details of the Complaints
The second complaint pertains to incidents involving a woman from the Diocese of Chelmsford.
She has accused Dr. Perumbalath of sexual assault on three separate occasions.
She recounted one encounter from 2019, where she alleges he forcefully kissed her despite her discomfort.
In a subsequent incident in 2022, she described an inappropriate touch following a meeting.
In January 2023, she alleged that the bishop made an intrusive physical advance.
The Church of England has stated that its National Safeguarding Team reviewed the situation and found no ongoing safeguarding issues.
However, the findings led to discussions regarding how Dr. Perumbalath’s actions might be interpreted by others.
The police conducted their own investigation but chose not to pursue further action.
In light of these developments, Dr. Perumbalath has reiterated his commitment to transparency and respect for the ongoing investigations led by the National Safeguarding Team and the police.
He stands firm in his assertion of innocence but recognizes the necessity of understanding how actions can be perceived by others.
He has expressed a willingness to cooperate fully with any inquiries while affirming his dedication to safeguarding standards within his leadership role.
The office of the Archbishop of York has been contacted for comments on this evolving situation.
Source: Christian Today
