Bishop Of Lincoln arrested and suspended as safeguarding inquiry advances
The Bishop Of Lincoln has been arrested on suspicion of sexual assault and suspended from ministry while a safeguarding complaint is investigated. The arrest is part of an ongoing inquiry into an allegation relating to conduct said to have taken place between 2018 and 2025; the bishop has been released on conditional bail. Church authorities have referred the complaint to the national safeguarding team and to the appropriate statutory agencies, and an acting diocesan bishop has been appointed for the suspension period.
Bishop Of Lincoln suspended as safeguarding inquiry proceeds
The Archbishop of Canterbury has suspended the bishop from ministry pending the outcome of a formal safeguarding investigation lodged with the national safeguarding team. The suspension follows the Church’s established code of practice for handling such complaints and has been accompanied by a diocesan statement noting that arrangements are in place to support those affected. The suffragan bishop for the diocese will carry out the diocesan duties while the suspension remains in effect.
Arrest, bail and the scope of the allegation
Police arrested a 68-year-old man as part of an ongoing investigation stemming from an allegation that a man was sexually assaulted at some point between 2018 and 2025. The arrested individual was later released on conditional bail while inquiries continue. The initial complaint was made to the national safeguarding team at the end of January and has been referred to the appropriate statutory authorities for consideration alongside the Church’s internal processes.
Diocesan response and immediate implications
The diocese has named its suffragan bishop to act as diocesan bishop in the suspended bishop’s absence and has indicated support arrangements for anyone affected by the developments. The suspended bishop remains a member of the House of Lords and was formally installed in the diocesan role in November 2023; those facts have been acknowledged by the diocese in its statement. Church leaders have emphasized adherence to established safeguarding procedures during the inquiry.
What happens next
The complaint will continue to be examined by the national safeguarding team and considered by statutory agencies as required. Church disciplinary and safeguarding processes will run in parallel with any criminal investigation. The diocese has signaled that pastoral support is available and that the acting diocesan bishop will carry out official functions while the suspension is in place. This is a developing situation and details may evolve as investigations proceed; further information will emerge as authorities and church bodies complete their inquiries.
