Bishop of Lincoln Right Reverend Stephen Conway arrested on suspicion of sexual assault

Bishop of Lincoln - the Right Reverend Stephen Conway - has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault amid allegations of abuse spanning some seven years, it is understood.

Lincolnshire Police confirmed 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", with the Diocese of Lincoln saying the Bishop had been suspended from his duties.

"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," the Diocese said. "This includes referral to the appropriate statutory authorities."

The Bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will take over diocesan duties during the suspension, the Diocese said, and 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, and has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014.