Ex-bishop of Gloucester Michael Perham "Can Return to Ministry" after Church Review Concludes

Goucester Citizen
May 11, 2015

http://www.gloucestercitizen.co.uk/Ex-Bishop-Gloucester-Michael-Perham-return/story-26479206-detail/story.html

Michael Perham the former Bishop of Gloucester

Former Bishop of Gloucester the Right Reverend Michael Perham can return to ministry in his retirement and bid a proper farewell to the city after a Church of England review into him was concluded.

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.

It has concluded that Mr Perham can take up Ministry with the church in his retirement.

Mr 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."

Lambeth Palace also issued a statement which said: "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 has been unable to say a proper farewell from his role while the investigation continued. A service of thanksgiving for him will now be held at Gloucester Cathedral on June 13.

A Diocese of Gloucester spokesman said they were "gladdened" by the review's findings and said: "We look forward to marking Bishop Michael's committed and dedicated ministry to this diocese."