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Bishop of Portsmouth attack court's decision that the church can be held liable for the misconduct of priests

A Catholic bishop has criticized a judge of the Supreme Court to rule that the church can be held responsible for the lack of priests, a trial that could make it easier for victims of abuse for clergy sexual claims.

The right of the Diocese of Portsmouth, made the remarks in response to the decision by Judge Macduff in favor of a woman, known as JGE, who claims he was sexually assaulted by Father Wilfred Baldwin died in a children's home in Hampshire.

The church has always maintained that it was "vicariously liable" for actions of the priests, saying they are not employees, they have no employment contracts, pay taxes on their own initiative and are never advertising positions.

But the judge last week rejected this argument and said Baldwin, who is accused of abuse, was appointed "by and on behalf of the defendants," the diocese of Portsmouth.

Hollis said in a statement: "The plaintiff has the advantage of a court order that can not be identified, unfortunately, the same consideration that has not spread to P. Baldwin, who was a priest of irreproachable character of these allegations were made shortly before his death and had no opportunity to respond to the charges against him.