The Bishop of Liverpool, John Perumbalath, resigned on Thursday amidst what he termed a "trial by media" regarding allegations of sexual assault that he has denied. These accusations have worsened a crisis within the Anglican Communion's leading church.
Perumbalath's decision follows the previous resignation of Justin Welby as the de facto leader of the 85 million Anglicans worldwide. This followed criticism that Welby should have done more to prevent a serial child abuser.
In a program aired by Channel 4 News on Tuesday, Perumbalath acknowledged that he allegedly sexually assaulted a woman several times between 2019 and 2023, also admitting to sexually harassing another bishop.
I do not wish this story to become a distraction for this incredible diocese and its people whom it has been an honor and joy to serve, Perumbalath stated in a letter published on the Diocese of Liverpool website.
The Bishop, hailing from the Indian state of Kerala, clarified that his resignation does not indicate an admission of guilt.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the hastiness in judgment and the media scrutiny, he explained, 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 church whilst we await further reviews and next steps.
The Church revealed that its safeguarding team had not found enough evidence to proceed with a safeguarding-related complaint following an early 2023 report of alleged misconduct against Perumbalath. Additionally, another complaint from a woman was dismissed by an independent judge as it was not filed within the one-year deadline.
Perumbalath, aged 58, was ordained in the Church of North India in 1994 before relocating to the UK to serve in the Diocese of Rochester in 2001. He had held the position of Bishop of Liverpool since 2023.
Although the exact end date of his role is pending, Perumbalath has chosen to retire from active ministry with immediate effect.
The diocese's senior leadership acknowledged his decision, describing it as "a deeply painful situation."