Monday 11 May 2015
Lambeth Palace today released a statement concerning Rt Revd Michael Perham, former Bishop of Gloucester. Below you can read their statement as well as a response from Bishop Michael, and the diocese.
Statement from Lambeth Palace
11 May 2015
"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.
We will be making no further comment on this matter."
Statement from Rt Revd Michael Perham on the conclusion of the church process
11 May 2015
"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."
Statement from the Diocese of Gloucester in response to news from Lambeth Palace
11 May 2015
“The Diocese of Gloucester welcomes today’s statement from Lambeth Palace concerning the Rt Revd Michael Perham. 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.”
Bishop Martyn Snow has also issued a letter to the diocesan community, welcoming the news and inviting those who are able, to come to a service of thanksgiving at Gloucester Cathedral on Saturday 13 June at 4.30pm. You can view Bishop Martyn's letter here.
Interview on Radio Gloucestershire
The Rt Revd Michael Perham spoke to Steve Kitchen on BBC Radio Gloucestershire after he was cleared to continue with his ministry in retirement:
