The Bishop of Liverpool Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath has announced he is to retire from active ministry, following sexual misconduct allegations against him by two women.

In a letter to the Diocese of Liverpool, Bishop John denied any wrongdoing and claimed there had been a trial by media and a "rush to judgment" that has made his position untenable.

"Earlier this week I was approached by Channel 4 news who informed me they would be broadcasting a story containing allegations of inappropriate behaviour by me against two different women," he wrote. 

"Since those allegations were made I have consistently maintained that I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so."

Bishop John said the claims were assessed by the National Safeguarding Team and found to be "unsubstantiated". 

"The first allegation was also investigated by the Police resulting in no further action," he said. "Despite this, media reports have treated me as guilty on all charges and treated these allegations as fact." 

Bishop John said he will stop leading the diocese "with immediate effect". 

The 58-year-old had lost the confidence of senior diocese members, who called for further investigation into the allegations on Wednesday and asked Bishop John to "step aside".  

An investigation by Channel 4 News reported that a woman had accused Bishop John of sexual assault on separate occasions between 2019 and 2023, while he was Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford.

Her allegations included instances of non-consensual kissing, groping and other inappropriate behaviour.

In a statement, Archbishop of York Most Rev Stephen Cottrell said he respected Bishop John's decision to resign.

"My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all those who have been affected by this situation," he added.

This is a developing story. Please check back for more information.