BRUSSELS — Two former priests say they told church authorities years ago about allegations that Belgium's longest-serving bishop abused a boy but were stonewalled until he was forced to resign Friday.

Norbert Bethune, who was dismissed after a doctrinal conflict with superiors, and retired priest Rik Devillle told Belgian media that they reported the allegations to Godfried Danneels, then archbishop.

Bethune said he reported the allegations seven years ago. Deville said he learned of the charges from a confidant of the victim's family and reported them 15 years ago.

Danneels said through a spokesman that he had no recollections of the allegations at the time.