Former Bishop of Gloucester Cleared after Sexual Assault Claims

Bath Chronicle
May 11, 2015

http://www.bathchronicle.co.uk/Bishop-Gloucester-cleared-sexual-assault-claims/story-26480128-detail/story.html

Former Bishop of Gloucester will return to ministry after being cleared following allegations of sexual assault in the 1980's

The retired Bishop of Gloucester Michael Perham will return to the ministry in his retirement following a review by Lambeth Palace.

The Right Reverend Michael Perham was questioned by police last year over two allegations of offences dating back to the 1980's.

The Church of England had its own internal inquiry and now Bishop Perham will be allowed to return to ministry.

A spokesperson for Lambeth Palace said this morning: "Following a police investigation concerning Bishop Michael Perham last year, which resulted in no further action, the matter was reviewed by the Church of England in accordance with its national safeguarding policy. With the full co-operation of the Bishop an independent risk assessment has been satisfactorily completed and as a result Bishop Michael will be able to take up Ministry in retirement, and the postponed farewells for him in Gloucester can now take place.

Mr Perham stepped aside from his duties in Gloucester Diocese last July when an allegation of indecent assault was made against him from the 1980s. Police investigated and took no further action, at which point the Church of England launched its own review in accordance with its normal policy.

Responding to the announcement, the Rt Revd Michael Perham, said: "I am glad that the church process has concluded and that the outcome is clear and decisive.

"The Church has to be rigorous in its approach to safeguarding and, as I made absolutely clear from the start, its investigations had to be thorough to leave no doubt about its conclusions.

"I am, of course, immensely heartened that I can now return to ministry in my retirement. I have a deep sense of gratitude to all in the Diocese of Gloucester, and beyond, who have supported, encouraged and upheld me, and my family, through a long and testing process.

"Now I can look forward to a celebration in Gloucester to bring my ministry there as its bishop for 10 years to a proper conclusion and, afterwards, to a new phase of being a priest and bishop in active retirement."

A spokesperson for the Diocese of Gloucester welcomed the statement.

The spokesperson added: "Following a police investigation last year, which resulted in no further action, the matter in relation to Bishop Michael was reviewed by the Church of England in accordance with its national safeguarding policy. We are gladdened by today's news from Lambeth Palace that following the completed review and independent risk assessment, Bishop Michael has been cleared to take up ministry in his retirement. We look forward to marking Bishop Michael's committed and dedicated ministry to this diocese, with a service of thanksgiving at Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 13 June."