Bishop of Lincoln Arrested on Suspicion of Sexual Assault
The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, the Bishop of Lincoln, has been arrested by Lincolnshire Police on suspicion of sexual assault. The 68-year-old clergyman has also been suspended from his ministry duties by the Diocese of Lincoln, pending an ongoing investigation.
Police Investigation and Allegations
Lincolnshire Police confirmed that a 68-year-old man was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation. The arrest follows an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025. The Right Reverend Stephen Conway has been released on conditional bail while the inquiry continues.
The Diocese of Lincoln issued a statement confirming the Bishop's suspension. It stated: "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."
Diocesan Response and Support Measures
No specific details of the complaint were disclosed by the Diocese. However, it announced that the Bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will assume diocesan duties during the suspension period.
The Diocese added: "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."
Background of Bishop Stephen Conway
Stephen Conway was installed as Bishop of Lincoln in 2023. Prior to this role, he served as Bishop of Ramsbury and Bishop of Ely. He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014, representing the Church of England in parliamentary matters.
The arrest and suspension mark a significant development in the Church of England's handling of safeguarding issues. The case underscores the ongoing challenges religious institutions face in addressing allegations of misconduct among senior clergy.
Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward, emphasizing the importance of thorough and transparent investigations in such sensitive matters.
