The Bishop of Liverpool has announced his retirement days after facing allegations of misconduct from two women, including another bishop. One woman said the Rt Revd Dr John Perumbalath kissed her without consent and groped her, while the second accused him of sexual harassment. The bishop has vehemently denied the allegations.
His retirement was announced by the Diocese of Liverpool this afternoon and a statement from the bishop was posted on the group's website. He wrote: "Having sought the permission of His Majesty the King, I have today taken the decision to retire from activeministry in the Church of England.
"I step back from my ministry today. This means I will not be ministering in or leading the diocese with immediate effect. "I have informed the Archbishop of York of my decision and I understand he will put in place the necessary arrangements for episcopal oversight of the diocese for the remainder of my time here and during the vacancy.".
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