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New CofE crisis as Bishop of Liverpool denies sexual misconduct

by Donna Birrell
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The Bishop of Liverpool has denied allegations of sexual misconduct made by two women, one of whom is reported to be a serving bishop.

An investigation by Channel Four News reported that a woman had accused Bishop Perumbalath of sexual assault on separate occasions between 2019 and 2023, while he was Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford. Her allegations included instances of non-consensual kissing, groping and other inappropriate behaviour.

The woman said she had immediately reported Perumbalath’s behaviour to the archdeacon. However, by this point, he was about to be promoted to the Diocese of Liverpool.

In a statement, the Church of England said:

‘We can confirm that early in 2023 a complaint of alleged misconduct against Bishop John Perumbalath was brought to the National Safeguarding Team (NST). This complaint was made after Bishop John Perumbalath had formally and legally become Bishop of Liverpool.

“The complaint was looked into according to statutory safeguarding guidance in an NST-led process and an independent risk assessment undertaken.

“This process concluded that there were no ongoing safeguarding concerns, but a learning outcome was identified with which the bishop fully engaged.

“The complaint was also investigated by the police which resulted in no further action.”

A female bishop also alleged to Channel Four News that she had been sexually harassed by Bishop Perumbalath.

In its statement the Church of England said:

“The information brought by the second complainant was explored and assessed not to be a safeguarding matter but a matter of alleged misconduct. Pastoral support has been provided throughout for the second complainant and is ongoing.

“The second complainant did not bring a CDM (Clergy Discipline Measure) complaint within the one-year deadline. She later applied for permission to bring it after the deadline, which the Archbishop of York fully supported.

“However, this was refused by an independent judge, the Deputy President of Tribunals.

“Archbishop Stephen has supported the complainant pastorally throughout the process and continues to offer practical help. He had no part in the decision-making around safeguarding or disciplinary matters.”

In a statement, 58 year old Bishop Perumbalath said:

"The allegations set out in this (Channel 4) programme are in relation to encounters that took place in public settings, with other people present…

"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."

 

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