A vicar from Luton is awaiting sentencing after pleading guilty to having obscene conversations with children as young as 12 on the internet.
Revd James Ogley, from Saint Francis Church in Carteret Road, Luton, admitted seven offences between June and November 2012.
None of the charges relate to any activity at St Francis Church in Luton.
The 38 year old has been granted bail and will be sentenced next month.
Luton Crown Court heard "all sentencing options" were open to the judge.
Revd Ogley was suspended from duties as a clergyman in January 2013 and a spokesman for the Diocese of St Albans says he will remain so.
The Bishop of St Albans, the Right Reverend Dr Alan Smith said he will impose "an appropriate penalty" after sentencing.
In a statement the Diocese of St Albans said: "He [Bishop Alan] will take account of what he sees as the gravity of this case and the breach of the trust reposed in Ogley by the church and by the parishioners of St Francis Luton.
Bishop Alan said: "I am deeply saddened that one of the clergy, of whom I expect the highest standards of behaviour, has committed these offences.
"My prayers are with all those affected by JO's actions and with the people of his parish."
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