Archbishop of Canterbury suspends Bishop of Lincoln, United Kingdom, following safeguarding complaint investigation

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, has suspended the Bishop of Lincoln, the Right Reverend Stephen Conway, following a safeguarding complaint. The details of the complaint have not been disclosed, but it was referred to the Church of England’s safeguarding team for investigation.

The Diocese of Lincoln issued a statement confirming the complaint was directed “to the appropriate statutory authorities.” A spokesperson noted that Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, the Bishop of Grantham, will serve as the Diocesan Bishop during the suspension and that “support was in place for those affected.”

Conway was installed as Bishop of Lincoln in November 2023. He also holds a seat in the House of Lords. Previously, he served as Bishop of Ely and was named in the 2024 Makin Report. This independent review examined systemic failures in addressing child sexual abuse within the Church of England during the 1970s and 80s, leading to the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Makin Report highlighted that Conway did not act rigorously on information he received in 2013 regarding the abuses of John Smyth, a prolific abuser. The report criticized the Church’s handling of such cases and called for accountability and reform.

The suspension underscores the Church of England’s ongoing efforts to address historical and contemporary safeguarding concerns. The Diocese of Lincoln has emphasized the importance of supporting those impacted by the complaint, reflecting a commitment to care and accountability.

The situation highlights the complex challenges faced by religious institutions in addressing past misconduct and ensuring transparency. The Church of England continues to navigate these issues as part of its broader mission to uphold justice and protect the vulnerable.

Source: Read the original report