Bishop of Liverpool denies sexual assault allegations
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The Rev. John Perumbalath has been accused of assaulting one woman twice and harassing another, the programme said.
He said a woman was allegedly assaulted in the diocese of Chelmsford in Essex, where he was Bishop of Bradwell, on separate occasions between 2019 and 2023. A female bishop also told Channel 4 News that she was sexually harassed by him.
In a statement, Bishop Perumbalath said he had "repeatedly denied" the allegations, adding that police had investigated them but had taken no further action.
Channel 4 News said Bishop Perumbalath, who was installed as Bishop of Liverpool in 2023, was voluntarily questioned in police custody in March last year. An exterior view of Liverpool Cathedral with a clear blue sky above
Liverpool Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Britain and the fifth largest in the world.
Bishop Perumbalath said: "The allegations made in this programme relate to meetings which took place in public places, in the presence of other people.
"I have consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants.
"I have complied with all investigations by the National Defence Team".
"The allegations made in Essex were also investigated by the police, who took no further action.
"While I do not believe I have done anything wrong, I have taken seriously the lessons learned from this process in terms of how my actions may be perceived by others." "I will respect any investigation that is deemed necessary."
"I take the defence very seriously and will work hard to provide the right leadership in this area."
"Learning outcomes"
The Church of England said it had also investigated the complaints, with a complaint of alleged misconduct initially made in early 2023.
A spokesman said the investigation "concluded that there were no ongoing safety concerns, but a learning outcome was identified to which the bishop is fully committed."
"The complaint was also investigated by the police, which did not result in any further action."
The statement continued: "Shortly after the start of these proceedings, another woman made a further discovery. "The information provided by the second complainant was considered and assessed as not being a matter of protection but as a matter of alleged abuse.
"Pastoral support has been provided to the second appellant throughout his life and continues to be provided."
A native of Kerala in southern India, Bishop Perumbalath was ordained in the Church of North India in 1994.
He moved to the UK in 2001, initially taking up posts in the Diocese of Rochester.
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