Bishop of Lincoln Stephen Conway arrested in sexual assault inquiry
BBC World
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Bishop of Lincoln Stephen Conway has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, marking a significant development in an ongoing investigation spanning from 2018 to 2025. The Church of England swiftly suspended Conway from his ministerial duties following the allegations, which were reported to their national safeguarding team in January 2023. Lincolnshire Police confirmed the arrest and stated that the bishop has been released on conditional bail while the investigation continues.
The case highlights the serious nature of the allegations, with the complainant accusing Conway of sexual assault over a seven-year period. The Church of England emphasized its commitment to safeguarding by suspending Conway immediately and referring the matter to relevant authorities. In a statement, the Diocese of Lincoln announced that Bishop Nicholas Chamberlain would serve as interim diocesan bishop during Conway’s suspension, ensuring continuity in leadership while prioritizing support for those affected.
Conway’s arrest underscores broader concerns about accountability within religious institutions, particularly regarding historical allegations. The case has drawn significant attention due to the high-profile nature of the accused and the potential implications for how such matters are handled by the Church of England. As investigations proceed, the outcome could set a precedent for addressing similar issues in the future.
This incident also reflects the growing
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/20/2026