The proposal to include church leaders as being in a position of trust under sexual offence laws is being discussed as part of a review of criminal legislation but a decision is yet to be made.
The news comes after the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) published its findings on the Anglican Church’s response to allegations against disgraced bishop Peter Ball.
A report recommended the Government amend part section 21 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 so that clergy are included in the definition of a position of trust, which would make sexual activity between a religious leader and victims aged 16 to 18, “over whom they exercise pastoral authority”, an abuse of trust and a crime.
In May, IICSA’s scathing report found the support the Prince of Wales gave to Ball after his caution for gross indecency was “misguided”.
The Church of England was accused of “putting its own reputation above the needs of victims” by offering secrecy and protection for child abusers which allowed them to “hide in plain sight” for decades, despite damning allegations against them.
Ball, a self-styled confidant to Charles, was an example of how a senior member of the Anglican church “was able to sexually abuse vulnerable teenagers and young men for decades”, backed by support from senior colleagues which was “rarely extended to his victims”, the report said.
The report focused…
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