Bishop of Lincoln Arrested on Suspicion of Sexual Assault
The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Stephen Conway, has been arrested by Lincolnshire police on suspicion of sexual assault. The 68-year-old clergyman was taken into custody as part of an ongoing investigation into an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025.
Church Suspends Bishop Amid Police Investigation
Following the arrest, the Diocese of Lincoln confirmed that Bishop Conway has been suspended from his ministerial duties. In a formal statement, the diocese said: "The bishop of Lincoln, the Right Rev Stephen Conway, has been suspended from ministry while a complaint made to the national safeguarding team is responded to according to House of Bishops code of practice. This includes referral to the appropriate statutory authorities." No specific details regarding the nature of the complaint were disclosed.
Conway has been released on conditional bail pending further inquiries. The police investigation remains active, with authorities continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses related to the serious allegations.
Diocesan Duties Transferred to Bishop of Grantham
During Bishop Conway's suspension, the Right Reverend Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, the Bishop of Grantham, will assume responsibility for diocesan duties. The Diocese of Lincoln emphasised that support mechanisms are in place for those affected by the allegations. "Support is in place for those affected and there will be no further comment while the process is ongoing. We understand that this will be a deeply unsettling time. The diocesan safeguarding team is available for anyone who wishes to contact them," the statement added.
Background of Bishop Stephen Conway
Stephen Conway was installed as the Bishop of Lincoln in 2023, following previous ecclesiastical roles as Bishop of Ramsbury and Bishop of Ely. He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014, contributing to legislative debates on social and moral issues. His arrest marks a significant development in a high-profile case that has sent shockwaves through the Church of England and the local community in Lincolnshire.
The Church of England's national safeguarding team is cooperating fully with the police investigation, adhering to established protocols for handling such complaints. The case underscores ongoing concerns about safeguarding within religious institutions and the procedures for addressing allegations of misconduct.
