Baroness Butler-Sloss didn't reveal abuse claim against bishop because she 'cared about the Church', Times claims

 Stefan Rousseau/PA Wire/Press Association Images

More pressure has been put on Baroness Butler-Sloss in a damning Times report claiming she concealed abuse allegations against a Church of England bishop.

The newspaper is claiming she kept the allegations against Bishop Peter Ball out of a review into how the Church of England dealt with two paedophile priests. 

The report is based on testimony from Phil Johnson, who was abused by priests Roy Cotton and Collin Pritchard as a choirboy in the Diocese of Chichester. 

His allegations also extended to 82-year-old Bishop Ball, the former Bishop of Lewes and Bishop of Gloucester.

Mr Johnson claims that when he spoke to Baroness Butler-Sloss about the abuse, she suggested the claims should not be made public because "the press would love a bishop" and she "cared about the Church". 

She is reported to have said she would raise the allegations with the Archbishop of Canterbury in private, but Mr Johnson says he felt "pressured" into agreeing not to make the claims against the bishop public.  

Lady Butler-Sloss was appointed this week to head an inquiry into Westminster abuse but there have been calls for home secretary Theresa May to replace her because of her close ties to the establishment.  

Labour MP Simon Danczuk has responded to The Times report with another call for the appointment to be changed: "She gives the impression that she is putting the reputation of the Church before the interests of victims. There is information coming out by the day which suggests she is unsuitable for the role. I think it is for her to reach the conclusion that perhaps she is not best placed for this role."

The Church of England and Diocese of Winchester have yet to comment on the claims.  

Newsletter Stay up to date with Christian Today
News
'Managerial' secularism becoming commonplace across Europe, says rights group
'Managerial' secularism becoming commonplace across Europe, says rights group

Human Rights Without Frontiers (HRWF) says that governmental restrictions on religions freedom have reached their highest level in Europe in two decades.

Church of England publishes report on mission funding impact
Church of England publishes report on mission funding impact

Over £100m went to Church of England dioceses and mission partners.

Manipur Christians face 'grave and escalating humanitarian crisis'
Manipur Christians face 'grave and escalating humanitarian crisis'

Three years on the crisis is far from over.

Faith plays key role in young people’s mental wellbeing - study
Faith plays key role in young people’s mental wellbeing - study

A new study suggests that religion can play a significant role in shaping the mental health and emotional resilience of young people, particularly when it is expressed through positive coping practices.