The Bishop of Lincoln has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. According to Lincolnshire Police, the arrest relates to claims that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025.

The Right Reverend Stephen Conway, 68, was arrested following a safeguarding complaint. He has been released on conditional bail while the police investigation continues. Meanwhile, the Diocese of Lincoln confirmed he has been suspended from the ministry with the Right Reverend Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, Bishop of Grantham, taking over his duties.

The Church of England's National Safeguarding Team (NST) was handed a complaint at the end of January. The exact nature of which is unknown but it has been confirmed that the bishop was arrested.

The Diocese of Lincoln said: "The Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Rev Stephen Conway, has been suspended from ministry while a complaint made to the National Safeguarding Team is responded to according to House of Bishops Code of Practice. This includes referral to the appropriate statutory authorities."

They added: "Support is in place for those affected and there will be no further comment while the process is ongoing. We understand that this will be a deeply unsettling time. The Diocesan Safeguarding Team is available for anyone who wishes to contact them."

Meanwhile, Lincolnshire Police said a man, 68, had been arrested for sexual assault. The force added this was part of an "ongoing investigation following an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025".

Conway previously served as Bishop of Ramsbury and Bishop of Ely before being installed as Bishop of Lincoln in 2023. He was also made a member of the House of Lords in 2014.

The arrest comes days after the newly appointed Archbishop of Canterbuy, Dame Sarah Mullally, said: "Safeguarding is a fundamental, non-negotiable responsibility, sharpened by our past failings and shaped by the work we still have to do.

"I am committed to bringing an approach of seriousness and focussed direction to all matters relating to safeguarding in all contexts in the church."