C of E’s Bishop of Liverpool resigns; could put further pressure on Cottrell

The Church of England’s Bishop of Liverpool has announced that he is resigning from his position, following accusations that he sexually harassed two women. Just after midday today, 30 January, the Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath sent a letter to clergy in his diocese to inform them of his decision to formally step down from The post C of E’s Bishop of Liverpool resigns; could put further pressure on Cottrell first appeared on Catholic Herald. The post C of E’s Bishop of Liverpool resigns; could put further pressure on Cottrell appeared first on Catholic Herald.

Feb 1, 2025 - 04:00

C of E’s Bishop of Liverpool resigns; could put further pressure on Cottrell

The Church of England’s Bishop of Liverpool has announced that he is resigning from his position, following accusations that he sexually harassed two women.

Just after midday today, 30 January, the Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath sent a letter to clergy in his diocese to inform them of his decision to formally step down from his post, reports the Daily Telegraph.

It comes after Channel 4 News reported earlier this week that the C of E bishop has been accused of sexual misconduct by two women, one of whom is a C of E bishop.

In addition to the personal ramifications for Perumbalath and for his former diocese, his resignation could put further pressure on the Archbishop of York, who recently assumed tempoary leadership of the Church of England following the resignation of Bishop Justin Welby as the 105th Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell is reported to have been aware of the allegations against Perumbalath when the latter was enthroned in April 2023, notes the Telegraph. The Archbishop of York has already been criticised for his role in the C of E safeguarding controversy that took down Bishop Welby, with Cottrell facing calls to resign over his handling of what happened.

The letter sent by Perumbalath to clergy in the Anglican Diocese of Liverpool opens with confirmation that King Charles III has accepted his resignation, the Telegraph reports.

The letter states: “Having sought the permission of His Majesty the King, I have today taken the decision to retire from active ministry.”

The Telegraph notes that the female bishop involved made a formal complaint of sexual harassment against Perumbalath last year, while a second woman alleged she was sexually assaulted by Perumbalath when he was the Bishop of Bradwell in Essex.

It adds that Perumbalath has always denied any wrongdoing. In March 2024, he was interviewed voluntarily under caution by police in relation to the sexual assault allegations, but was not charged because of insufficient evidence.

On 28 January, the Bishop of Liverpool issued a statement addressing the Channel 4 News report: “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.”

In his letter, Perumbalath adopts a more defensive stance, stating: “[M]edia reports have treated me as guilty on all charges and treated these allegations as fact.

“This rush to judgment and 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 [C]hurch whilst we await further reviews and next steps.”

He adds: “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.”

The resignation of Perumbalath, along with Bishop Welby’s, adds to the ongoing crisis for the Anglican Church, which is also facing enormous financial pressures. This was highlighted by the recent news that Peterborough Cathedral may go broke and have to close because it can no longer pay its bills.

Photo: The Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath at his installation in Chelmsford Cathedral in 2018. (Image: Ben Anu/ Wikipedia Creative Commons.)