The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Stephen Conway, has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, Lincolnshire Police confirmed on Wednesday, February 20, 2026. The arrest, part of an ongoing investigation into allegations of sexual assault between 2018 and 2025, prompted an immediate suspension of Conway from his ministerial duties within the Church of England.
Lincolnshire Police stated that the 68-year-old man arrested has been released on conditional bail while inquiries continue. Details of the specific allegations remain undisclosed.
The Diocese of Lincoln confirmed the suspension in a statement released on its website, noting that the complaint originated with the Church of England’s national safeguarding team at the conclude of January. The statement emphasized that a referral had been made to the “appropriate statutory authorities” and that “support is in place for those affected.” It acknowledged the situation would be “a deeply unsettling time.”
The Right Reverend Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, Bishop of Grantham, will assume Conway’s diocesan responsibilities during the suspension period, according to the Diocese of Lincoln.
Conway was installed as Bishop of Lincoln in November 2023, having previously served as Bishop of Ramsbury and Bishop of Ely. He has been a member of the House of Lords since 2014. Prior to his appointment in Lincoln, Conway served as Bishop of Ely from 2010 to 2023, a period marked by significant engagement with the Cambridgeshire community and representation of the Church of England in the upper chamber of Parliament.
In 2024, Bishop Conway faced criticism alongside other members of the clergy in connection with a report concerning the handling of allegations against John Smyth, a former church leader. Conway stated at the time that he had acted within the scope of his authority.
The Diocese of Lincoln has indicated it will not provide further comment while the process is ongoing. Attempts to reach Bishop Conway for comment have been made.
