Bishop John Perumbalath of Liverpool on Thursday announced his resignation in response to serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment that were recently aired by Channel 4 News.
The broadcaster reported that two women had come forward with accusations, claiming that the bishop had engaged in “inappropriate behaviour.” These allegations were a significant blow to his position within the Church of England, leading to his decision to step down.
In his resignation statement, Perumbalath firmly denied any wrongdoing but expressed his belief that the media’s rush to pass judgment had rendered his ability to continue in office impossible.
He referred to the situation as a “rush to judgement” and described the media coverage as a “trial by media,” suggesting that the intense public scrutiny had made his position “untenable.”
Perumbalath emphasized that stepping down immediately was crucial to avoid a prolonged period of uncertainty while the allegations were investigated further.
He added, “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.”
Despite the gravity of the accusations, the bishop maintained that he had “not done anything wrong.”
He pointed to the fact that a Church safeguarding team had already assessed the allegations and found them to be “unsubstantiated.”
Furthermore, Perumbalath noted that the police had investigated the first accusation but ultimately decided not to pursue further action.
Despite these findings, Perumbalath expressed frustration with the way he had been portrayed in the media, arguing that the reports treated him as guilty before any formal investigation had concluded, making it impossible for him to carry on in his role.
This resignation comes at a time when the Church of England is already under heightened scrutiny.
Recently, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby also stepped down following the results of an independent review, which criticized the Church’s failure to properly handle abuse cases.
The review revealed that Welby had not acted appropriately in 2013 when he was made aware of decades of abuse committed by John Smyth, a Church-linked lawyer. Smyth, who abused up to 130 boys and young men across Britain, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, was found by the review to have been a central figure in a tragic chapter for the Church.
The report concluded that Welby “could and should” have reported Smyth’s actions to authorities much sooner, which led to significant criticism of his leadership.
Perumbalath’s resignation further highlights the ongoing challenges within the Church of England concerning how abuse cases are managed.
While the allegations against him are still being investigated, they are part of a broader context in which the Church has been accused of mishandling abuse cases involving senior figures.
This includes accusations against Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, who has also faced criticism for mishandling a sexual abuse case during his time as the Bishop of Chelmsford. These controversies have sparked calls for greater accountability at the highest levels of the Church.
In response to Perumbalath’s resignation, the Liverpool diocese expressed understanding and support for his decision.
A spokesperson from the diocese stated, “We continue working hard to support all those who have been affected by this story.” While the resignation of a senior cleric is a significant moment for the diocese, it is clear that the wider issue of abuse within the Church of England is far from resolved. Perumbalath’s resignation adds to the mounting pressure on the Church to address past failures and take meaningful action to ensure that abuse cases are handled appropriately in the future.
As the investigation into the allegations against Perumbalath continues, the Church is likely to face further scrutiny, not only over its handling of this case but also regarding its broader approach to abuse cases.
Many within the Church and beyond have called for a renewed focus on transparency, accountability, and support for survivors of abuse. This moment in the Church’s history may ultimately serve as a turning point, one where institutional reform becomes necessary to rebuild trust among the faithful and the public at large.
In conclusion, the resignation of Bishop John Perumbalath amidst serious allegations of sexual assault and harassment is a pivotal moment for the Church of England. His decision to step down, despite the unsubstantiated nature of the claims, reflects the growing pressure on the Church to address issues of abuse and ensure accountability within its ranks. As the Church grapples with these difficult challenges, the actions it takes in the coming months will shape its future and its relationship with its community.