A prominent British bishop has decided to step down from his role just days after being accused of sexual assault and harassment. The allegations have stirred significant attention within the Church of England, which has faced multiple scandals in recent times.

John Perumbalath, the Bishop of Liverpool, made the announcement following reports detailing the accusations. In his resignation letter, he firmly denied any wrongdoing but expressed concern that the allegations could overshadow the work of the diocese.

“I have consistently maintained that I have not done anything wrong and continue to do so,” Perumbalath stated. He added that his decision to retire was not an admission of guilt but a move to prevent further distraction for the community he served.

The Church of England has been under scrutiny for its handling of sexual abuse cases in recent months. Earlier this year, Justin Welby, the former Archbishop of Canterbury, also faced criticism and eventually resigned over his handling of a child abuse case.

Stephen Cottrell, the Archbishop of York, acknowledged Perumbalath’s resignation, emphasizing that his thoughts were with those affected by the situation. This latest development adds to the ongoing challenges faced by the church as it grapples with issues of accountability and transparency.

The situation remains fluid, with more updates expected as the story unfolds.