Retired Anglican bishop Peter Ball, 83, this week pleaded guilty to two counts of indecently assaulting young men in the 1980s and 1990s, and to misconduct in public office between 1977 and 1992.
Ball had failed in an attempt to get the case dismissed on the grounds that he accepted a caution in 1993 and was assured there would be no future action over the allegations.
The court was told that the caution, which was given with the knowledge of then Archbishop of Canterbury George Carey, helped the church avoid the scandal of a bishop in the dock.
But when allegations resurfaced Sussex police reopened the investigation, and charges were brought. Ball pleaded guilty weeks before he was to stand trial, and he will be sentenced on 7 October.
In a statement folloing the guilty plea, the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Revd Paul Butler said: "We offer an unreserved apology to all the survivors and those affected by this news. We commend the bravery of those who brought these allegations forward, acknowledging how difficult and distressing this would have been.
"We are aware that two individuals will not have the opportunity to have their case heard in criminal court following the plea agreement. Peter Ball was charged with the offences following his arrest in November 2012 and as a Church we have provided full co-operation with the police throughout their investigation.
"The Church of England always 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. Any survivors or those with information about church-related abuse must always feel free to come forward knowing that they will be listened to in confidence."
After this week’s hearing Det Ch Insp Carwyn Hughes said Ball had systematically abused the trust of his victims, who included aspiring priests, and that he had used religion as a cloak behind which to satisfy his sexual interest in and desire for young men.
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