UK Bishop Of Lincoln Arrested In Sexual Assault Probe

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Stephen Conway, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault as part of an ongoing investigation by Lincolnshire Police.

Officers confirmed that a 68-year-old man was arrested following an allegation that a male complainant was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025. He has since been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue.

The Church of England said Conway had been suspended from ministry after what it described as a “safeguarding complaint” was referred to the “appropriate statutory authorities.” The Diocese of Lincoln confirmed the initial complaint was made to the Church’s national safeguarding team at the end of January.

Conway, who was installed as Bishop of Lincoln in November 2023, also sits in the House of Lords, giving the case both ecclesiastical and political dimensions.

During his suspension, the Bishop of Grantham, Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will act as diocesan bishop. The diocese said support was being offered to those affected and acknowledged the situation would be “deeply unsettling.”

Police have not released further details about the nature of the allegation, and there is no indication at this stage of charges being brought. As with all such cases, the arrest does not imply guilt, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The development places renewed scrutiny on safeguarding procedures within the Church of England, which has faced sustained criticism in recent years over its handling of abuse allegations. The Church has repeatedly pledged to strengthen reporting mechanisms and independent oversight.

Key Developments

1. Arrest And Bail – A 68-year-old man, identified as the Bishop of Lincoln, was arrested and released on conditional bail pending further inquiries.

2. Church Suspension – The Church of England has suspended him from ministry and referred the matter to statutory authorities.

3. Wider Implications – The case adds fresh pressure on Church safeguarding processes and carries political weight due to his role in the House of Lords.

SOURCE: BBC

Does it mean that he was assaulted once between 2018 and 25, or a regular occurrence

2 hours ago, wil iam not said:

Does it mean that he was assaulted once between 2018 and 25, or a regular occurrence

Why the thumbs down to a simple question?

The C of E heading steadily down the gurgler, at least in the UK.

Many many former congregation members including one bishop have made the trip to Rome. The English Reformation fading in to history.