Bishop of Lincoln arrested on sexual assault charges.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed the arrest of a 68-year-old man as part of an “ongoing investigation into allegations that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025”.
The Right Rev Stephen Conway was released on conditional bail.
Earlier, the Diocese of Lincoln confirmed that the bishop had been suspended from his duties. It said in a statement: “The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Rev Stephen Conway, has been suspended from ministry in response to a complaint made to the National Protection Team in accordance with the House of Bishops Code of Practice. This includes referral to the appropriate statutory authorities.”
No details of the complaint were given.
The Bishop of Grantham, the Right Rev Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will assume diocesan responsibilities during the suspension, the statement said.
The diocese added: “Victims are supported and will have no further comment while the process continues. We understand this is a very worrying time. The diocesan protection team is available to anyone who wishes to contact them.”
Conway was installed as 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.
