Retired Bishop Peter Ball faces sex offence charges
A retired Anglican bishop is to be prosecuted for alleged sex offences dating back to the 1970s.
The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said it was in the public interest to prosecute the Rt Rev Peter Ball, who served as bishop of Gloucester and bishop of Lewes in East Sussex.
It is alleged Bishop Ball, 82, indecently assaulted a boy aged 12 or 13 and a man aged 19 or 20.
He is due to appear before Brighton magistrates on 10 April.
Bishop Ball is also to be charged with misconduct in public office between 1977 and 1992.
Chief crown prosecutor for the South East Jaswant Narwal, said: "After a thorough and careful review, I have decided that Peter Ball should be prosecuted for misconduct in public office and two indecent assaults.
"It is alleged that he sexually abused a number of young males between 1977 and 1992.
"The misconduct alleged is that he misused his position and authority to manipulate and prevail upon others for his own sexual gratification."
Bishop Ball is due to be charged when he appears before the magistrates.
He served as Bishop of Gloucester until 1993.