Bishop John Perumbalath denies allegations, raising concerns over the Church’s handling of misconduct cases
John Perumbalath, the Bishop of Liverpool, has been accused of sexually assaulting and harassing two women, sparking controversy over the Church of England’s response to the allegations. However, the bishop has denied any wrongdoing, reported ndtv.com.
According to a Channel 4 News report, Perumbalath allegedly sexually assaulted a woman multiple times between 2019 and 2023 while serving as a bishop in Essex. The accusations include claims that he kissed one woman without consent and groped her, while another woman has accused him of sexual harassment. These allegations have cast doubt on his leadership and the Church’s disciplinary processes.
Allegations date back to his tenure as Bishop in Essex
In response to the accusations, Bishop Perumbalath told the BBC, “The allegations set out in this program 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.”
He further added, “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.”
Originally from Kerala, India, Bishop John was ordained into the Church of North India in 1994 before moving to the UK in 2001, where he took up positions in the Diocese of Rochester.
The controversy has deepened as reports suggest Archbishop Stephen Cottrell, the interim head of the Church of England, was aware of the allegations before Perumbalath’s appointment as Bishop of Liverpool but allowed the enthronement to proceed. This has intensified scrutiny over the Church’s accountability in handling misconduct claims.
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