The Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway, has resigned after being suspended amid an investigation into an alleged sexual assault. A 68-year-old man was arrested in February over an allegation dating from between 2018 and 2025; Conway was released on conditional bail. The Church of England has referred a safeguarding complaint to the relevant authorities. Conway — appointed Bishop in 2023 and a member of the House of Lords — had been criticised in an independent review of the Church's handling of John Smyth; his resignation follows continuing scrutiny of Church safeguarding that contributed to Archbishop Justin Welby's 2024 resignation.
Bishop Of Lincoln Resigns After Arrest; Safeguarding Complaint Referred To Authorities
A Church of England logo is seen during the Candlemas Festival Eucharist service at Ripon Cathedral in Ripon, Britain, February 2, 2023. REUTERS/Lee Smith
The Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway, has resigned after being suspended from ministry following his arrest earlier this year on suspicion of sexual assault, the Church of England said on Monday.
Details Of The Case
British police said in February that a 68-year-old man had been arrested as part of an investigation into an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025. Conway was released on conditional bail. The Church of England also confirmed that a safeguarding complaint concerning Conway has been referred to the relevant authorities.
Background And Wider Context
Conway, a member of the House of Lords who became Bishop of Lincoln in 2023, was among clergy criticised in an independent review into the Church of England's handling of prolific abuser John Smyth. At the time, Conway said he had acted within the limits of his authority. His resignation comes as the Church continues to face heightened scrutiny over safeguarding practices following the Smyth review, which in 2024 contributed to the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury.
Note: The referral to safeguarding authorities and the ongoing police investigation mean that further details may emerge as inquiries proceed.
Reporting by Sam Tabahriti; editing by Sam Tobin.
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