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The Charity Commission has formally reprimanded two dioceses of the Church of England following inadequate management of safeguarding complaints related to the former Bishop of Liverpool. John Perumbalath stepped down in January last year after allegations from two women, including a fellow bishop, surfaced. Despite the accusations, he has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
The Commission’s inquiry revealed significant failures in properly addressing the allegations and maintaining appropriate oversight of safeguarding procedures. While the Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance accepted the findings and expressed regret over the shortcomings, the Diocese of Chelmsford voiced strong disagreement, describing the official warning as excessive.
The case involves two separate complaints. The first woman accused Perumbalath of non-consensual kissing and groping between 2019 and 2023 during his time as Bishop of Bradwell in the Chelmsford area. However, the Church of England’s investigation concluded that there was no basis for misconduct regarding these claims. Later, Perumbalath moved to serve as Bishop of Liverpool, where a second complaint was made by the Right Reverend Bev Mason, then Bishop of Warrington, alleging sexual harassment. The Church noted that the legal timeframe to examine this later complaint had expired.
Following public outcry triggered by allegations broadcast on Channel 4, church leaders deemed Perumbalath’s position “untenable,” resulting in his resignation. He maintained that his departure was not due to guilt or any admission and criticized what he considered a “rush to judgement” and a “trial by media.” In response to the incidents, the Charity Commission investigated the boards responsible for the dioceses’ financial and administrative governance. This marked the first occasion such warnings have been issued to Church entities at either a national or diocesan level. The regulator highlighted deficiencies in procedures and processes that constituted mismanagement of the safeguarding concerns.
David Holdsworth, Chief Executive of the Charity Commission, emphasized the responsibility of trustees to challenge those in positions of spiritual authority effectively. The Liverpool Diocesan Board of Finance expressed apologies for the errors the Commission identified and mentioned efforts already underway to enhance reporting and governance. In contrast, Chelmsford’s bishop and safeguarding officer expressed disappointment at the warning, standing by their safeguarding measures, calling their response “robust and survivor-led,” and pledging cooperation with the regulator in improving their protocols.
In a broader context, the Charity Commission had previously urged the Church of England to accelerate reforms to ensure safer environments within its congregations. Holdsworth remarked to the BBC that the Church must shift from a defensive stance to embrace accountability, building the systems and leadership culture necessary to protect those who interact with its institutions
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