The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Stephen Conway, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed the detention of a 68-year-old man is part of an “ongoing investigation following an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025.”
The Church of England announced Reverend Conway’s suspension from ministry whilst a safeguarding complaint undergoes investigation in accordance with the House of Bishops Code of Practice.
Bishop Conway has since been released on bail.
A statement published on the Diocese of Lincoln website confirmed the suspension, noting that the complaint had been lodged with the Church of England’s national safeguarding team.
The diocese acknowledged the situation would prove “deeply unsettling” for many and confirmed that assistance was being provided to those affected.
“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 the House of Bishops Code of Practice,” the notice read.
“This includes referral to the appropriate statutory authorities.”
Lincolnshire Police confirmed the detention of a 68-year-old man is part of an ‘ongoing investigation following an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025’
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The diocese continued: “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.”
Specific details regarding the nature of the complaint have not been disclosed.
The diocese indicated there would be no additional comment whilst the process continues.
His diocese acknowledged the situation would prove “deeply unsettling” for many and confirmed that assistance was being provided to those affected
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The Right Reverend Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, Bishop of Grantham, will assume responsibility for diocesan affairs throughout the suspension period.
Bishop Conway took up his position as Bishop of Lincoln in 2023, having previously held the roles of Bishop of Ramsbury and Bishop of Ely.
He has sat in the House of Lords since 2014.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police continuing their enquiries into the allegations spanning a seven-year period.
No further information regarding the circumstances of the alleged offence has been released by authorities.
GB News has approached Bishop Conway for comment.