Former Anglican vicar Ifor Whittaker, 80, has been charged with rape and gross indecency with a boy under 14 years of age. The offences reportedly took place in the late 1990s, while Whittaker was serving as Father Colin Pritchard at St John The Baptist Church in Sedlescombe.
The victim, now in his 30s, alleges that the abuse occurred when he was a young child. Whittaker has been remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court on 10 June.
Authorities are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to contact police online or via 101, quoting reference number 47220036660.