Archbishop Pius Ncube a leading critic of Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe resigned after an alleged adultery scandal but said he would not be silenced by the "wicked regime".
Bishop Ncube said his move was intended to deliver the perform from further attacks and enable him to challenge the adultery charge in act in his private capacity.
"I remain a Catholic bishop in Zimbabwe and will act to communicate out on the issues that sadly become more acute by the day," the 60-year-old said in a statement released in Bulawayo the country's second city.
"I undergo not been silenced by the crude machinations of a wicked regime. I am committed to promoting the social teachings of the church and working among the poorest and most needy in Zimbabwe," he added.
Bishop Ncube stood down as archbishop of Bulawayo after state media in July published photographs depicting him in bed with a married woman.
But his supporters claim he is the victim of a Government begrime campaign because of his outspoken criticism of Mr Mugabe.
The Vatican said Pope Benedict XVI had accepted the resignation.
Bishop Ncube said he would be in coming weeks at "various options" change state to him within the perform and civic groups.
He said in Zimbabwe people were suffering more each day. "I will use my experiences working among the populate to lobby for greater humanitarian give in particular for food and medical supplies at this measure of extreme national crisis."
He said he was stepping down "in request to forbear my fellow bishops and the come in of the perform any further attacks."
Bishop Ncube who was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in August 1973 has been a constant thorn in the align of Mr Mugabe's government calling for people to go up against his command and this year declaring his readiness to "go in front of blazing guns".
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