The Bishop of Liverpool has resigned over a series of sex harassment claims.
The Rt Rev John Perumbalath sent a letter to clergy in his diocese to tell them he will be formally stepping down from his post, reports The Telegraph.
A letter issued to the clergy read: "Having sought the permission of His Majesty the King, I have today taken the decision to retire from active ministry."
It comes after a female bishop made a formal complaint of sexual harassment against him last year, while a second woman alleged she was sexually assaulted by Perumbalath when he was the Bishop of Bradwell in Essex.
On Tuesday evening, the Bishop of Liverpool had told reporters: "The allegations set out in this programme are in relation to encounters that took place in public settings, with other people present.
"I have consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants. I have complied with any investigation from the National Safeguarding Team.
"The allegations raised in Essex were also investigated by the police who took no further action. Whilst I don’t believe I have done anything wrong, I have taken seriously the lessons learnt through this process addressing how my actions can be perceived by others.
"I will comply with any investigation deemed necessary. I take safeguarding very seriously and work hard to provide proper leadership in this area."
Last March, Perumbalath was interviewed voluntarily under caution by police, in relation to the sexual assault allegations, but was not charged because of insufficient evidence.
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The Rt Rev John Perumbalath sent a letter to clergy in his diocese to tell them he will be formally stepping down from his post, reports The Telegraph.
A letter issued to the clergy read: "Having sought the permission of His Majesty the King, I have today taken the decision to retire from active ministry."
It comes after a female bishop made a formal complaint of sexual harassment against him last year, while a second woman alleged she was sexually assaulted by Perumbalath when he was the Bishop of Bradwell in Essex.
On Tuesday evening, the Bishop of Liverpool had told reporters: "The allegations set out in this programme are in relation to encounters that took place in public settings, with other people present.
"I have consistently denied the allegations made against me by both complainants. I have complied with any investigation from the National Safeguarding Team.
"The allegations raised in Essex were also investigated by the police who took no further action. Whilst I don’t believe I have done anything wrong, I have taken seriously the lessons learnt through this process addressing how my actions can be perceived by others.
"I will comply with any investigation deemed necessary. I take safeguarding very seriously and work hard to provide proper leadership in this area."
Last March, Perumbalath was interviewed voluntarily under caution by police, in relation to the sexual assault allegations, but was not charged because of insufficient evidence.
More to follow...
Find Out More...