Right Reverend Doctor John Perumbalath denies the allegations (Image: Colin Lane/Liverpool Echo)
The Bishop of Liverpool has denied any wrongdoing after allegations of sexual assault and harassment were levelled against him.
One woman accused the Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath of kissing her without consent and groping her, while another alleged sexual harassment, Channel 4 reported.
In a statement, Bishop Perumbalath said he has “consistently denied” the allegations and has complied with all investigations conducted by the National Safeguarding Team (NST).
This development follows the resignation of the Archbishop of Canterbury, who stepped down after a review found that Christian camp leader and prolific abuser John Smyth could have faced justice had Justin Welby formally reported him to the police five years before the barrister’s death.
Separately, calls have been made in recent months for the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, to step down after it was revealed that a priest at the centre of a sexual abuse case was twice reinstated under his tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford.
READ MORE: Church of England row erupts as Archbishop of York accused of ’empty words’
Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell (Image: PA)
Bishop Perumbalath said: “The allegations set out in this programme relate 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 all investigations conducted by the National Safeguarding Team. The allegations raised in Essex were also investigated by the police, who took no further action.
“While I do not believe I have done anything wrong, I have taken seriously the lessons learnt through this process, particularly regarding how my actions may be perceived by others.
“I will comply with any further investigation deemed necessary. I take safeguarding very seriously and work hard to provide appropriate leadership in this area.”
Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby officially resigned earlier this month (Image: PA)
In response to the Channel 4 programme, a Church of England spokesperson confirmed that in 2023 a complaint of alleged misconduct against Bishop Perumbalath was brought to the NST.
The investigation concluded there was insufficient evidence to bring a safeguarding-related complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) but offered the complainant support if she wished to pursue it further.
The spokesperson also confirmed that police had investigated the complaint but took no further action.
A second disclosure was later made by another woman, which was “explored and assessed not to be a safeguarding matter but a matter of alleged misconduct,” according to the spokesperson.
The second complainant did not submit a CDM complaint within the one-year deadline but later applied for permission to do so after the deadline. The Archbishop of York supported her application, but it was refused by an independent judge, the Deputy President of Tribunals.
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby resigns
A Church of England spokesperson said: “Anyone who comes forward to make a complaint will be taken seriously, treated with respect, and their voice will be heard.
“In early 2023, a complaint of alleged misconduct against Bishop John Perumbalath was brought to the National Safeguarding Team (NST) after he had formally and legally become Bishop of Liverpool.
“The complaint was reviewed in accordance with statutory safeguarding guidance through an NST-led process, including an independent risk assessment.
“This process concluded there were no ongoing safeguarding concerns, but a learning outcome was identified, which the bishop fully engaged with.
“The complaint was also investigated by the police, resulting in no further action.
“The NST determined there was insufficient evidence to bring a safeguarding-related complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure (CDM) but offered the complainant support if she wished to pursue it. The NST remains in contact with her and continues to offer support at her request.
Liverpool Cathedral (Image: Getty)
They continued: “Subsequently, after hearing the complainant’s account directly, the Lead Safeguarding Bishop also offered advice and support should she wish to pursue a CDM complaint. That offer remains open.
“While we do not discuss specific details of individual cases, this matter was taken seriously while maintaining the complainant’s confidentiality.
“Shortly after the start of this process, a second woman made a further disclosure. The information provided was assessed and determined not to be a safeguarding issue but rather a matter of alleged misconduct. Pastoral support has been offered throughout and remains ongoing.”
The second complainant had not filed a CDM complaint within the one-year deadline, the spokesperson continued.
They added: “She later applied for permission to do so after the deadline, with the Archbishop of York fully supporting her application.
“However, this request was refused by an independent judge, the Deputy President of Tribunals.
“Archbishop Stephen has provided pastoral support to the complainant throughout the process and continues to offer practical assistance. He had no role in the decision-making regarding safeguarding or disciplinary matters.”
