A retired Church of England bishop has been banned for life from ministry after sexual abuse allegations were brought against him. 

Peter Hullah, former bishop of Ramsbury in the diocese of Salisbury until 2005, agreed to the punishment after two women complained to the Church in 2019. 

The allegations were serious enough for the Church of England to refer him to the police. 
He's decided against contesting the allegations at a Church tribunal and has not been criminally charged.

Although Hullah has not been charged with any offence, it's understood the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Rev Justin Welby, made the decision to ban him from ministry this summer. 
In a statement to Premier, a Church of England spokesperson offered "an unreserved apology" to the victims. 

"We can confirm that Peter Hullah has now been prohibited from ministry for life following a complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure brought by the National Safeguarding Team," the statement read. 

"We would like to acknowledge the courage and offer an unreserved apology on behalf of the Church to those who came forward to share their experience; support has been offered to all involved. The Church expects the highest standards from those in leadership and there can be no excuses when this does not happen. 

 "We will continue to listen to all those who come forward and to work together to make the Church a safer place for all," it concluded. 

A spokesman for Hullah said: "Peter Hullah expresses deep regret to those affected in any way and apologies for any distress caused to anyone involved in this process."