Patrick Sookhdeo, 68, of River Street, Pewsey, Wiltshire, is accused of one count of indecent assault on a woman aged 16 or over in Plaistow, east London, in 1977.
The Metropolitan Police said Mr Sookhdeo was arrested following an investigation by Newham detectives.
He was bailed to appear at Thames Magistrates' Court on 4 April.
A man has been charged with carrying out a sexual assault on a woman almost 40 years ago.