Bishop of Lincoln arrested on suspicion of sexual assault

Church suspends Stephen Conway as police investigate claim man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025

The bishop of Lincoln has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, according to police.

Lincolnshire police confirmed that 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”.

This comes after The Church of England said the Right Rev Stephen Conway was suspended from ministry while a “safeguarding complaint” was being investigated. The bishop has been released on conditional bail, and the Guardian has attempted to reach him for a comment.

Earlier, the diocese of Lincoln confirmed that the bishop had been suspended from his duties. It said in a statement: “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 details of the complaint were given.

According to the statement, while proceedings take place the bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will take over diocesan duties during the suspension.

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.”

Conway was installed as bishop of Lincoln in 2023, previously having served as bishop of Ramsbury and bishop of Ely. He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014.