Liverpool Bishop scandal probe: John Perumbalath denies sexual assault and harassment accusations, citing no further action

In the ongoing Liverpool bishop scandal probe, the Right Reverend Doctor John Perumbalath, Bishop of Liverpool, has strongly denied allegations of sexual assault following a Channel 4 News investigation. The report details accusations from two women who claim he assaulted them during his time as Bishop of Bradwell in Essex, with one alleging incidents between 2019 and 2023. Additionally, a female bishop has accused him of sexual harassment.

In a statement, Bishop John maintained his innocence, asserting that the incidents took place in public settings, with other individuals present. He further revealed that police had investigated the claims, ultimately taking no further action. The bishop also confirmed his full cooperation with an investigation conducted by the National Safeguarding Team of the Church of England.

Despite these accusations, Bishop John expressed his commitment to safeguarding and responsible leadership within the church. He acknowledged that, while he believed he had done nothing wrong, he recognised that his actions could be perceived differently by others. He stated he had taken the necessary steps to ensure this lesson was learnt and would comply with any further investigations deemed necessary.

The Church of England also launched an internal investigation into the claims, which initially surfaced early in 2023. The investigation determined that while there were no ongoing safeguarding concerns, a “learning outcome” had been identified, which Bishop John fully engaged with. Following the discovery of a second complainant, the church’s investigation ruled that the issue did not involve safeguarding but was instead a matter of alleged misconduct. Pastoral support was offered to both complainants throughout the process.

Bishop John, originally from Kerala, South India, had been ordained into the Church of North India in 1994 before moving to the UK in 2001. He began serving in the Diocese of Rochester before being appointed as the Bishop of Liverpool in 2023. This latest controversy surrounding him has raised questions about the handling of such sensitive allegations within the Church, with some wondering whether the systems in place are truly adequate to protect those involved.

While police inquiries into the accusations have now concluded, the story is far from over. The broader implications for the Church of England are still unfolding, with questions about safeguarding practices and the need for stronger accountability at the heart of this controversy.

As Bishop John faces public scrutiny, the future of his leadership in the Church of England remains uncertain, and the investigation continues to cast a long shadow over the reverence his position once commanded.