By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
The Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, as police investigate claims that a man was assaulted over a period spanning several years.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed that a 68-year-old man was taken into custody in connection with an ongoing inquiry into an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025. The suspect has since been released on conditional bail while investigations continue.
Earlier, the Church of England announced that Conway had been suspended from ministry after a safeguarding complaint was made. The church said the matter had been referred to the appropriate statutory authorities and was being handled in line with the House of Bishops’ code of practice. No further details of the complaint have been disclosed.
In a statement, the Diocese of Lincoln said the suspension would remain in place while the national safeguarding team responds to the complaint. It added that support systems were available for anyone affected and acknowledged that the development would be distressing for members of the community.
During the suspension, the Bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will assume responsibility for diocesan duties.
Conway was installed as Bishop of Lincoln in 2023. Before then, he served as Bishop of Ramsbury and Bishop of Ely, and has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014.
Police investigations are ongoing, and no charges have been announced.
