Bishop of Lincoln Arrested on Sexual Assault Allegations and Suspended from Ministry
The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Stephen Conway, has been arrested and suspended from his ministry following a serious safeguarding complaint. Lincolnshire Police confirmed the 68-year-old clergyman was detained as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual violence.
Police Investigation and Bail Conditions
Lincolnshire Police stated their enquiries concern claims that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025. A police spokesperson confirmed a 68-year-old man had been arrested in connection with these allegations. The bishop has since been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues, with no further details about the specific conditions disclosed to the public.
Church of England Safeguarding Procedures Activated
The Diocese of Lincoln confirmed on Friday that Bishop Conway has been suspended from ministry while the Church of England's National Safeguarding Team responds to the complaint. This action follows protocol outlined in the House of Bishops Code of Practice, which mandates referral to appropriate statutory authorities when such allegations emerge.
The complaint was made to the National Safeguarding Team in late January, though the exact nature remains undisclosed. The National Safeguarding Team manages complex cases involving multiple dioceses and allegations against senior clergy, including bishops and deans.
Leadership Changes and Support Mechanisms
During Bishop Conway's suspension, the Bishop of Grantham, the Right Reverend Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will assume his duties. A diocesan spokesperson emphasized that support is available for those affected by the allegations, stating: 'Support is in place for those affected and there will be no further comment while the process is ongoing.'
The spokesperson added: 'We understand that this will be a deeply unsettling time. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is available for anyone who wishes to contact them.'
Background of the Accused Bishop
Stephen Conway was installed as Bishop of Lincoln in 2023, having previously served as Bishop of Ramsbury in Wiltshire and Bishop of Ely in Cambridgeshire. He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014 as one of the 26 Lords Spiritual – positions reserved for Church of England archbishops and bishops in the upper chamber.
Broader Church Safeguarding Context
This development comes just days after the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, committed to taking safeguarding more seriously than the Church had done historically. Speaking to the General Synod last week, Archbishop Mullally acknowledged past failures, stating: 'Safeguarding is a fundamental, non-negotiable responsibility, sharpened by our past failings and shaped by the work we still have to do.'
She further emphasized: 'I am committed to bringing an approach of seriousness and focussed direction to all matters relating to safeguarding in all contexts in the church.' This statement followed her earlier acknowledgment that the Church had 'fallen tragically short' in safeguarding matters in previous years.
The bishop has been contacted for comment regarding the allegations, but no response has been made public at this time. The investigation by Lincolnshire Police continues as the Church of England implements its safeguarding protocols in this high-profile case.
