As Bishop of Chelmsford, Mr Cottrell let priest David Tudor remain in post in the diocese despite knowing he had been barred by the Church from being alone with children and had paid compensation to a sexual abuse victim.
Tudor was only banned from ministry two months ago, after he admitted historical sex abuse allegations relating to two girls.
Mr Cottrell has responded saying he is "deeply sorry" that action could not be taken earlier, but that was the situation he inherited.
THE GUARDIAN:
Alleged Chinese spy linked to Prince Andrew named as Yang Tengbo: Yang, a businessman also known as Chris Yang, can be named after judge lifted anonymity order »