Indian-origin Bishop of Liverpool resigns following sexual assault allegations, denies misconduct

The Bishop of Liverpool, Dr John Perumbalath, announced his retirement following allegations of sexual assault and harassment. The Right Reverend Perumbalath stated that he did not want to be a "distraction" after two women came forward with claims detailed in a news channel investigation.  

He emphasized that his decision was ‘not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability’. 

One woman had accused him of kissing her without consent and groping on separate occasions between 2019 and 2023, where he previously served as Bishop of Bradwell. Additionally, a female bishop told the news channel that she had been sexually harassed by him.

“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,” said Perumbalath.

In his statement on the Church website, he said that he was approached by a news channel earlier this week who informed him about broadcasting a story containing allegations of inappropriate behaviour by him against two different women.

The Bishop alleged that despite him being cleared by the Safeguarding Team and the police, and not further action had been taken by the both, the media has treated him as ‘guilty’.

He also denied the reports of him failing the safeguarding assessment process before his appointment as Bishop of Liverpool.

“My trial by media (be that social or broadcast) has made my position untenable due to the impact it will have on the Diocese of Liverpool and the wider church whilst we await further reviews and next steps, 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,” added the Bishop in his statement.

Though the Bishop cleared that ‘this is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability’.

“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,” he added.

He stepped back from the ministry effective immediately, though, and that he has informed the Archbishop of New York about his decision.