The Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway, has resigned from his position after being suspended from ministry following his arrest earlier this year on suspicion of sexual assault, the Church of England has confirmed. In February, police arrested a 68-year-old man as part of an investigation into an allegation of sexual assault that allegedly occurred between 2018 and 2025. Conway was released on conditional bail. The Church of England stated that a safeguarding complaint regarding Conway had been referred to the appropriate authorities. Stephen Conway, a member of the House of Lords, was appointed Bishop of Lincoln in 2023. He was among several clergy members criticized in an independent review that examined the Church of England's handling of the prolific abuser John Smyth. At the time, Conway stated that he had done all he could within his authority. His resignation comes amid ongoing scrutiny of the Church’s safeguarding practices, following the fallout from the Smyth review, which led to the resignation of Justin Welby, the then-Archbishop of Canterbury, in 2024. The Bishop of Grantham, the Rt Rev Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, will continue to serve as Acting Bishop of Lincoln until the See becomes vacant on 1 October. At that point, a Crown Nominations Commission will be convened to identify a successor. In a joint pastoral letter, Bishop Nick and the Bishop of Grimsby, Rt Rev Jean Burgess, acknowledged that the news of Conway’s resignation may evoke a range of emotions and reactions. They encouraged members of the diocese to support one another and to seek comfort and guidance through prayer and community. The letter emphasized the importance of prayer and unity, inviting the diocese to pray for each other, for those in need, and for those involved in safeguarding and responding to abuse. It also called for prayer for Bishop Stephen and for those who will be involved in the upcoming appointments process, highlighting the Church’s commitment to addressing challenges and seeking spiritual guidance during times of change.