The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Rev Stephen Conway, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, Lincolnshire Police have confirmed. The 68-year-old was taken into custody as part of an investigation into an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025.
The Church of England announced that Conway has been suspended from ministry while a safeguarding complaint is investigated. He has been released on conditional bail. The diocese of Lincoln stated that the suspension follows a complaint made to the national safeguarding team, which is being handled according to the House of Bishops code of practice, including referral to statutory authorities.
During the suspension, the Bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will assume diocesan duties. The diocese emphasised that support is available for those affected and declined further comment while the process is ongoing, acknowledging that the situation is deeply unsettling.
Conway was installed as Bishop of Lincoln in 2023, having previously served as Bishop of Ramsbury and Bishop of Ely. He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014.
