Bishop of Liverpool’s position is untenable, say church leaders

They said they were “shocked and saddened” by the claims in Channel 4 News investigation, adding that churches should be “places where everyone is and feels safe”.

Bishop Perumbalath said he had “consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants”.

He added: “Whilst I don’t believe I have done anything wrong, I have taken seriously the lessons learnt through this process addressing how my actions can be perceived by others.”

Explaining further, the Church of England said the second complainant did not bring a complaint within a statutory one-year deadline.

“She later applied for permission to bring it after the deadline, which the Archbishop of York [Stephen Cottrell] fully supported,” it said.

“However, this was refused by an independent judge, the Deputy President of Tribunals.

“Archbishop Stephen has supported the complainant pastorally throughout the process and continues to offer practical help.

“He had no part in the decision-making around safeguarding or disciplinary matters.”