British bishop retires days after sexual assault allegations

A British bishop has announced his retirement days after he was accused of sexual assault and harassment.

Channel 4 News reported on Tuesday that John Perumbalath, the Bishop of Liverpool, was accused of sexually assaulting a woman and harassing a fellow bishop.

“Since those allegations were made I have consistently maintained that I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so,” Perumbalath said in his resignation letter.

“I do not wish this story to become a distraction for this incredible diocese and its people whom it has been an honor and joy to serve,” he said. “This is not a resignation occasioned by fault or by any admission of liability.”

The Church of England has been rocked by a number of scandals related to sexual abuse in recent months. In November Justin Welby resigned as Archbishop of Canterbury over his handling of a child abuse case.

Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, has also recently faced calls to resign over his handling of a separate sexual abuse case. On Thursday, Cottrell said he acknowledged Perumbalath’s resignation, writing in a statement that his “thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those who have been affected by this situation.”

This is a developing story and will be updated.