Bishop of Lincoln Stephen Conway resigns following suspension

The Right Reverend Stephen Conway has announced his resignation as the Bishop of Lincoln, effective October 1. His departure follows a seven-month suspension from ministry initiated in February while the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team investigated a complaint against him. The matter was also referred to police, with reports indicating that Conway was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and released on conditional bail.

Church officials confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing despite the resignation, noting that clergy members are still subject to disciplinary procedures after leaving their posts. The Right Reverend Dr. Nicholas Chamberlain, the Bishop of Grantham, will continue to serve as the Acting Bishop of Lincoln until a successor is appointed by a Crown Nominations Commission.

Conway, who had served as the Bishop of Lincoln since 2023, has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations. The diocese has acknowledged the situation as deeply unsettling and continues to provide support resources for those affected by the proceedings.