Bishop of Gloucester Questioned over Historical Indecent Assault

By Alexandra Rucki
London Evening Standard
August 5, 2014

http://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/bishop-of-gloucester-questioned-over-historical-indecent-assault-9650358.html

Quizzed: the Bishop of Gloucester has been questioned in regards to a historic indecent assault (Picture: Google Street View)

A senior Church of England bishop has been questioned by police on suspicion of indecently assaulting a woman and child while he was working in south London.

The Rt Rev Michael Perham, 66, was interviewed under caution by detectives over the incidents alleged to have taken place in the 1980s.

It comes days after Bishop Perham suddenly left his post as the Bishop of Gloucester before he was due to retire aged 67 in November.

The diocese of Gloucester announced Bishop Perham had “stepped back” from his position due to personal reasons.

A spokesman for Scotland Yard confirmed a 66-year-old man was interviewed under caution but was not arrested.

He said: “Police can confirm a 66-year-old man today attended a police building in Gloucestershire by appointment where he was interviewed under caution on suspicion of indecent assault on a child aged under 18 years, and indecent assault on a second female, aged over 18 years.

“The alleged incidents are said to have occurred between 1980 and 1981 and are being investigated by officers from the Metropolitan Police Service’s Sexual Offences, Exploitation and Child Abuse Command.

“Inquiries continue.”

A spokesman for the Diocese of Gloucester said: "This is a police matter. We have no further comment to make."

It is understood both alleged incidents took place when Bishop Perham was working as a curate in south London.

A special service was set to take place in November at Gloucester Cathedral to celebrate his time working in the city.

According to the diocese's website Bishop Perham is married and has four grown-up daughters.

It says: "He has been best known for his work on the Church's worship. He served on the Church of England Liturgical Commission from 1982 to 2001, being one of the principal architects of its Common Worship services.

"He is now a member of the House of Lords and of the House of Bishops' Standing Committee.

"He has been a strong advocate of the role of women in the Church as priests and bishops.

"He is married to Dr Alison Grove, who is a palliative care consultant. They have four grown up daughters."

Bishop Perham served as curate at St Mary’s, in Addington, Croydon from 1976 to 1981.

Earlier this year Peter Ball, the former bishop of Gloucester and of Lewes in East Sussex, was accused of historical sexual abuse on young boys.