The Bishop of Liverpool has been asked to step aside because his position is “currently untenable” after allegations of sexual assault and harassment were made against him.
The senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool have written to the Archbishop of York, calling for the Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath to go.
It comes after one woman accused the bishop of kissing her without consent and groping her, and another woman accused him of sexual harassment, according to Channel 4 News.
Bishop Perumbalath said he has “consistently denied” the allegations and complied with any investigation from the National Safeguarding Team (NST).
A statement, signed by six members of the senior leadership of the Diocese of Liverpool, says: “Today we have written to the Archbishop of York to give the following statement:
“Having listened to clergy, congregations and staff at the diocesan offices and the cathedral, it is 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 believe that the allegations made by the female bishop need to be fully and properly investigated.
“We also believe that while these proper investigations are conducted, the Bishop of Liverpool will need to step aside from all ministry in the Diocese of Liverpool.”
The letter is signed by Debra Walker, the chair of the House of Laity; the chair of the House of Clergy Peter Dawkin; and Sue Jones – who is the Dean of Liverpool.
Pete Spiers, who is the Archdeacon of Knowsley & Sefton; Miranda Threlfall-Holmes, who is the Archdeacon of Liverpool; and the Archdeacon of St Helens and Warrington Simon Fisher also signed the letter.