Bishop of Liverpool resigns over sexual misconduct allegations
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The Bishop of Liverpool has resigned over a series of sex harassment claims.
The Rt Rev John Perumbalath sent a letter to clergy in his diocese to tell them he will be formally stepping down from his post, with Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell confirming Perumbalath has resigned his ministry.
A letter issued to the clergy read: "Having sought the permission of His Majesty the King, I have today taken the decision to retire from active ministry."
It comes after a female bishop made a formal complaint of sexual harassment against him last year, while a second woman alleged she was sexually assaulted by Perumbalath when he was the Bishop of Bradwell in Essex.
John Perumbalath has announced he is stepping down
Church of England
On Tuesday evening, the Bishop of Liverpool told reporters: "The allegations set out in this programme are in relation to encounters that took place in public settings, with other people present.
"I have consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants. I have complied with any investigation from the National Safeguarding Team.
"The allegations raised in Essex were also investigated by the police who took no further action. Whilst I don’t believe I have done anything wrong, I have taken seriously the lessons learnt through this process addressing how my actions can be perceived by others.
"I will comply with any investigation deemed necessary. I take safeguarding very seriously and work hard to provide proper leadership in this area."
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Last March, Perumbalath was interviewed voluntarily under caution by police, in relation to the sexual assault allegations, but was not charged because of insufficient evidence.
In a statement, he said: "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. This is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability.
"Rather it has become clear that stepping back from my ministry and waiting for the completion of further reviews would mean a long period of uncertainty for the diocese and all those who serve it."
It comes at a tumultuous time for the Church of England over various safeguarding failures, which has already seen Justin Welby quit as Archbishop of Canterbury over the handling of a separate case.
Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Britain
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His statement went on: "I have taken this decision for my own well-being, my family and the best interests of the diocese.
"The exact date when my role will formally end is not yet determined. There are protocols to observe that I will now be attending to.
"But I step back from my ministry today. This means I will not be ministering in or leading the diocese with immediate effect.
"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."
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