Bishop of Lincoln Stephen Conway arrested on allegation of sexual assault

Bishop of Lincoln arrested on suspicion of sexual assault.

Lincolnshire Police said a 68-year-old man was arrested as part of an “ongoing investigation following allegations that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025”.

The Right Reverend Stephen Conway was released on conditional bail.

Earlier, the Diocese of Lincoln confirmed that the Bishop had been suspended from his duties.

A statement said: “The Right Rev. Stephen Conway, Bishop of Lincoln, has been suspended from ministry while a complaint to the National Safeguarding Team is responded to in accordance with the Code of Practice of the House of Bishops.

“This includes referral to appropriate legal authorities.”

The diocese did not provide any details about the complaint.

In the statement, the Bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev. Dr. It was stated that Nicholas Chamberlain would take over the duties of the bishop during his suspension.

The diocese added: “Support is available for those affected and no further comment will be made while the process continues.

“We recognize that this will be an extremely disturbing time. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is open to anyone wishing to contact them.”

Conway was appointed Bishop of Lincoln in 2023, having previously served as Bishop of Ramsbury and Bishop of Ely.

He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014.