The diocese confirmed that the initial complaint was submitted to the Church of England’s national safeguarding team at the end of January…reports Asian Lite News
The Bishop of Lincoln has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, police have confirmed, as the Church of England announced his suspension from ministry pending investigation.
Lincolnshire Police said a 68-year-old man was arrested as part of an “ongoing investigation following an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025”. The individual was later released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.
The arrest relates to Stephen Conway, who has served as Bishop of Lincoln since November 2023. Earlier, the Church of England confirmed that he had been suspended from ministry after a safeguarding complaint was made to its national safeguarding team.
In a statement, the Diocese of Lincoln said the suspension followed established procedures under the House of Bishops’ code of practice. “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,” the statement said.
No further details of the complaint have been made public.
The diocese confirmed that the initial complaint was submitted to the Church of England’s national safeguarding team at the end of January. It added that support arrangements were in place for anyone affected and acknowledged that the situation would be “a deeply unsettling time” for the diocese and wider community.
During the suspension period, diocesan responsibilities will be overseen by Nicholas Chamberlain, the Bishop of Grantham, who will act as Diocesan Bishop. The diocese emphasised that there would be no further comment while the process remains ongoing.
Following news of the arrest and suspension, the Guardians of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham announced that Conway had resigned from his role as Visitor to the Shrine. In a statement, the organisation acknowledged “with gratitude the work Bishop Conway had done” and said it would begin the process of appointing a successor.
Conway has held senior roles within the Church for more than a decade. Before his appointment to Lincoln, he served as Bishop of Ramsbury and later as Bishop of Ely. He has also been a member of the House of Lords since 2014, where bishops of the Church of England sit as Lords Spiritual.
In 2024, Conway was among a number of clergy criticised in a report examining the Church’s handling of the abuser John Smyth. At the time, he stated that he had acted within the scope of his authority and had done all he could in relation to the matter.
The Church of England reiterated that safeguarding remains a priority and that established procedures are followed when allegations are raised. Lincolnshire Police confirmed that their investigation is continuing.
As the legal process unfolds, both the diocese and police have stressed that support is available to those affected, and that further updates will be provided when appropriate.
