Sydney

(ENI)-Australia's Anglican Church has announced an enquiry into child abuse in church institutions amid continuing criticism of the country's constitutional head of state - a former Anglican archbishop - over handling of child abuse cases when he was archbishop of Brisbane.

The announcement came as speculation increased that Archbishop Peter Hollingworth, who as governor-general acts as Australia's head of state, may be forced to resign over the affair.

Archbishop Hollingworth appeared on national television to defend himself against accusations that he covered up and failed to confront allegations of sexual assault by clergy during his time as head of the Brisbane diocese. But the interview with Archbishop Hollingworth and members of his family failed to stem calls for his resignation from political commentators and anti-child-abuse activists.

The governor-general also issued a statement, in which he denied ever covering up any allegation of child sexual abuse.