The former Bishop Lewes Peter Ball has admitted sexually abusing two boys.
Ball, 83, pleaded guilty to the offences, which took place in the 1980s and 1990s, and to misconduct in public office.
He started his church career as a curate in Rottingdean. He later became Bishop of Lewes, then Bishop of Gloucester.
He pleaded guilty to two counts of indecent assault at the Old Bailey, having applied to have the case thrown out earlier this year. But the judge Mr Justice Sweeney said Ball should be tried.
Ball will be sentenced on 7 October at the Old Bailey.