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 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

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.