A Church of England bishop resigned on Thursday after what he called a "trial by media" over allegations of sexual assault which he has denied, but which have deepened a crisis at the mother church of the Anglican Communion.

The bishop of Liverpool has resigned after coming under scrutiny over allegations of sexual assault and harassment

The Bishop of Liverpool has resigned following allegations of sexual assault and harassment, heaping more pressure on the Church of England as it seeks to move past the fallout from a separate scandal that toppled its former leader.

The Bishop of Liverpool’s resignation is the latest development in what has been a tumultuous time for the Church of England. Here, the PA news agency takes a look at how events have unfolded in recent months.

A Church of England bishop responsible for overseeing discipline has been accused of sexually assaulting and sexually harassing two women. John Perumbalath, the Bishop of Liverpool, allegedly sexually assaulted a woman on several occasions between 2019 and 2023 while he was a bishop in Essex,

Bishop John Perumbalath of Liverpool announced his retirement, citing a "trial by media" over misconduct allegations, which he denies, saying they made his position at the Diocese of Liverpool "untenable.

One woman accused the Rt Rev Dr John Perumbalath of kissing her without consent and groping her and another woman accused him of sexual harassment.