Resignation follows arrest and safeguarding probe
The Bishop of Lincoln has resigned after being arrested in February on suspicion of sexual assault, the Church of England has confirmed. The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, 68, who had been formally appointed Bishop of Lincoln in July 2023, stood down with immediate effect while investigations continue.
The diocese said the suspension that was imposed earlier this year remains part of an ongoing process, and that Bishop Nick Chamberlain will continue as acting bishop until a permanent replacement is decided. The Church added that "clergy remain subject to church disciplinary procedures following resignation or retirement."
Police probe and diocesan procedures
Lincolnshire Police said the arrest was made as part of an "ongoing investigation" into claims that a man was sexually assaulted between 2018 and 2025. A police spokesperson said:
"Our investigation remains ongoing. No charges have been laid."
The diocese described the initial suspension in February as the result of a "safeguarding complaint". That suspension prevented the bishop from undertaking episcopal duties while the matter was assessed by both the Church's safeguarding processes and by police.
Local impact and institutional response
The resignation is likely to cause uncertainty for parishes across the Diocese of Lincoln, which covers a large part of Lincolnshire including urban and rural congregations. The presence of an acting bishop offers continuity for day-to-day episcopal functions such as confirmations, clergy support and oversight of safeguarding arrangements, but the diocese faces a period of scrutiny.
- Acting leadership: Bishop Nick Chamberlain continues as acting bishop.
- Safeguarding: The complaint process remains active within Church procedures.
- Police investigation: Lincolnshire Police say the criminal inquiry is ongoing and that no charges have yet been brought.
Clergy and parishioners will expect clear communication from diocesan offices as the dual strands of inquiry — police and church disciplinary — proceed. The Church of England has statutory safeguarding guidance and local diocesan teams who work with police in such cases; the diocese has not published further detail beyond its statement on the resignation and the continuing role of the acting bishop.
Timeline of key events
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Acting bishop role began | November 2021 (acting) |
| Formal appointment as Bishop of Lincoln | July 2023 |
| Suspension following safeguarding complaint | February 2026 |
| Arrest reported | February 2026 |
| Resignation announced | September 2026 |
The timeline above summarises the public milestones reported by the diocese and Lincolnshire Police; no further details have been released about the nature of the allegations or the ongoing investigation.
Community reaction and next steps
For many congregations in Lincoln and the wider county, the resignation of a diocesan bishop raises sensitive questions about trust and safeguarding. Church leaders and diocesan safeguarding officers have statutory duties to support alleged victims, to cooperate with police and to ensure that safeguarding practices are followed across parishes.
Local churchgoers told WE NEWS they expect transparency from church authorities and reassurance that safeguarding arrangements are robust. The Church of England's statement that "clergy remain subject to church disciplinary procedures following resignation or retirement" underlines that resignation does not automatically end internal accountability processes.
Until the police investigation and the diocesan procedures reach a conclusion, the acting bishop will continue to carry episcopal responsibilities. The diocese has not given a timeframe for appointing a permanent successor.
Residents with concerns about historic or recent abuse can seek information from Lincolnshire Police or the Church of England's safeguarding team, which provides guidance and support during investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
This is a developing local story. WE NEWS will report any further official statements from Lincolnshire Police and the Diocese of Lincoln as they are released.
