(LifeSiteNews) — The Catholic bishop of Northampton, England, has been charged with two counts of rape of a girl under age 16.

David James Oakley, 70, was arrested last year for sexual assault, which took place in Staffordshire, according to local police, the BBC reported.

Oakley is scheduled for a hearing at Cannock Magistrates’ Court on August 14.

The Catholic Diocese of Northampton confirmed the charges “after an investigation into non-recent safeguarding allegations,” calling the case “very distressing for all concerned.” However, the diocese said it could not comment further due to active legal proceedings.

Oakley is reportedly a “popular and energetic bishop who has been a strong supporter of synodality and has encouraged every parish to have a pastoral council,” per The Tablet. He serves as an episcopal advisor for Catholic Charismatic Renewal in England and Wales.

In October, the Diocese of Northampton stated that the bishop had “taken a leave of absence for personal reasons.”

The next month, Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham said that “Such a withdrawal from public ministry does not constitute Bishop David’s removal from office as Bishop of Northampton, nor does it in any way imply guilt.”

Developing…