Former Church of England Bishop Held over Sex Abuse Claims

By John Bingham
The Telegraph
November 13, 2012

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/law-and-order/9674810/Former-Church-of-England-bishop-held-over-sex-abuse-claims.html

The Rt Rev Peter Ball

A retired bishop has been arrested by police investigating historic allegations of child sex abuse in the Church of England.

The Rt Rev Peter Ball, 80, who served as the Bishop of Lewes and later Bishop of Gloucester, was arrested at his home in Somerset, on suspicion of eight sex offences against eight boys and young men.

The alleged victims were aged from 12 to their early 20s in the late 1980s and 1990s when the offences allegedly took place in Sussex.

A second man, named by sources as the Rev Vickery House, 67, was also detained at his home this morning near Haywards Heath, West Sussex, on suspicion of separate sex offences against two teenage boys in East Sussex between 1981 and 1983, Sussex Police said.

It comes after a six month inquiry into allegations of abuse centering on the diocese of Chichester by a team of Sussex Police detectives.

Two months ago the Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams published a wide-ranging report on historic abuse in the area.

The Church of England confirmed the arrests and said it had been working closely with police.

In May of this year Lambeth Palace passed two reports from a CofE safeguarding consultant detailing reviews of files from the Chichester diocese during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Officers described it as a "very complex inquiry" during which many people, who are all now adults, have had to be traced along with witnesses and records.

Police said there were no allegations of recent or current offending, and there was no suggestion that any young people are at risk.

Officers also said the claims are being treated separately and do not involve the two men allegedly acting together.

Detective Chief Inspector Carwyn Hughes, of Sussex Police, who is leading the investigation, said: "The Church of England, including the Diocese of Chichester, are co-operating fully with police.

"Although the matters referred to are still subject of police investigation, Sussex Police make it clear that the force will always take seriously any allegations of historic sexual offending, and every possible step will be taken to investigate whenever appropriate.

"Allegations of historic offences are treated just as seriously as any more recent offences."

The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham, and Chair of the Churches National Safeguarding Committee said: “The Church of England takes any allegations of abuse very seriously and is committed to being a safe place for all.

“To this end we have robust procedures and policies in place. But we can never be complacent.

“We would like to urge any victims or those with information to feel free to come forward knowing that they will be listened to in confidence.

“We have also put support systems in place for all those involved with today’s arrests.

“Should anyone have further information or need to discuss the personal impact of this news the Church has worked with the NSPCC to set up a confidential helpline no: 0800 389 5344.

“Although we cannot comment on this case any further at the moment, lessons must be learnt and it is our mission that all our churches are places of safety and joy, of righteousness and justice.”