SENIOR leaders within the diocese of Liverpool said on Wednesday that the Bishop of Liverpool, Dr John Perumbalath, should step apart from all ministry within the diocese.
Their intervention follows allegations that Dr Perumbalath sexually harassed a female bishop and sexually assaulted one other woman — allegations that he denies (News, 28 January).
In a press release sent to the Archbishop of York, the diocese’s Dean, archdeacons, and the chairs of the homes of clergy and laity, wrote: “Having listened to clergy, congregations and staff on the diocesan offices and the cathedral it’s with deep regret that the senior leadership of the diocese of Liverpool feel that the position of the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath is currently untenable. We consider that the allegations made by the feminine bishop have to be fully and properly investigated. We also consider that while these proper investigations are conducted the Bishop of Liverpool might want to step apart from all ministry within the Diocese of Liverpool.”
Speaking to Channel 4 News on Wednesday evening, the lead bishop for safeguarding, the Bishop of Stepney, Dr Joanne Grenfell, said: “I feel these are serious allegations. They need a correct process to take a look at them to be fair to everybody involved. But I do think that, while that happens, he [Dr Perumbalath], should step back from ministry to offer the Church the space to try this properly.”
The programme reported that Dr Perumbalath had been “summoned to a pastoral meeting to debate his behaviour” last January. This had been attended by the Archbishop of York and his chief-of-staff. Dr Perumbalath had “acknowledged how his actions might be perceived”.
