Bishop of Lincoln Resigns After Months-Long Safeguarding Suspension
The Rt. Rev. Stephen Conway has resigned as Bishop of Lincoln, months after his suspension in February 2026 amid a safeguarding investigation and police inquiry into historical sexual assault allegations. The vacancy takes effect October 1.
The Rt. Rev. Stephen Conway has formally resigned as Bishop of Lincoln, the Church of England confirmed September 22. His resignation follows a suspension from ministry that began in February 2026 after his arrest on suspicion of sexual assault.
Conway was suspended while an investigation into a safeguarding complaint was ongoing, alongside a separate police inquiry into historical allegations. The church did not provide details on the current status of either investigation.
The vacancy officially begins October 1. In the interim, the Bishop of Grantham and the Bishop of Grimsby are providing pastoral leadership across the Diocese of Lincoln.
The resignation adds to a series of safeguarding cases that have drawn scrutiny to the Church of England's handling of misconduct allegations. Church leaders have faced repeated criticism for slow responses and inadequate support for complainants.
The Diocese of Lincoln covers a large geographic area in the East Midlands and East of England. A formal process to appoint a new bishop will begin after the vacancy is confirmed.
