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Bishop of Liverpool Faces Calls to Step Down Over Sexual Assault Allegations

Senior clergy demand Bishop John Perumbalath temporarily leave his post as investigations into claims of sexual misconduct proceed.

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John Perumbalath said he had decided to retire to avoid the issue being "a distraction."
The Right Rev John Perumbalath is alleged to have groped a woman in 2022 and assaulted another between 2019 and 2023
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Overview

  • Two women, including a female bishop, have accused Bishop John Perumbalath of sexual assault and harassment during his tenure in the Chelmsford diocese from 2019 to 2023.
  • Allegations include non-consensual kissing, groping, and inappropriate comments, with one woman claiming the Church's safeguarding team discouraged her from filing a formal complaint.
  • Senior leaders of the Diocese of Liverpool have publicly stated that Perumbalath’s position is untenable and called for him to step aside while investigations continue.
  • The Church of England’s handling of these allegations has drawn criticism, with concerns over its safeguarding processes and disciplinary measures.
  • Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, who was aware of the allegations before Perumbalath's promotion, faces mounting scrutiny over his leadership and prior safeguarding failures.