The Rt Revd Stephen Conway was arrested and released on conditional bail while the Diocese of Lincoln confirms his suspension and arranges pastoral and safeguarding support
The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, the Bishop of Lincoln, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault over an allegation said to have occurred sometime between 2018 and. Lincolnshire Police confirmed a 68‑year‑old man was taken into custody as part of an ongoing inquiry and has since been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.
The Diocese of Lincoln says it has suspended Bishop Conway from ministry under the House of Bishops’ Code of Practice. The complaint has been referred to the National Safeguarding Team and to the appropriate statutory authorities; the diocese has asked that no further comment be made while those processes are active.
In the meantime, diocesan responsibilities are being carried out by the Bishop of Grantham, the Rt Revd Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, who will act for the diocesan bishop during the suspension. The diocese says pastoral support arrangements are in place for anyone affected and that safeguarding procedures are being followed.
Police and safeguarding teams have declined to give operational detail while the investigation continues. No further information has been released about the nature of the allegation or the identities of any other parties involved.
A brief background: Stephen Conway previously served as Bishop of Ramsbury and Bishop of Ely before his installation as Bishop of Lincoln in. He has also been a member of the House of Lords since 2014.
Support and contacts – Diocesan Safeguarding Team: [email protected] or 01522 504070 – Independent support: Safe Spaces helpline 0300 303 1056; ThirtyOneEight helpline 0303 003 1111
The diocese issued its statement on 20 February and says it will provide further information as appropriate and in line with legal and safeguarding obligations. Police and diocesan safeguarding teams will continue their enquiries; further verified updates will be published by the authorities when available.
