Arrest of the Bishop of Lincoln in the Context of Safeguarding, Accountability and Redress in the Church of England

On 19th February 2026 the Bishop of Lincoln, Stephen Conway, was arrested on suspicion of sexual assault, in just the latest scandal to hit the Church of England. 

This blog will consider what exactly the arrest means for the Church in the wider context of abuse, the Church of England Redress Scheme, and how to access support.

Lincolnshire Police confirmed that they arrested a 68-year-old man in relation to allegations of sexual assault occurring between 2018 and 2025. It is understood, from a recent statement released by the Diocese of Lincoln, that the Bishop has been suspended pending further investigation, while a referral has been made to the Church’s National Safeguarding Team. He retains his position as Lord Spiritual in the House of Lords.

It is important to state clearly at the outset that Conway has, so far, not been charged with any offence, nor is an arrest proof of criminal wrongdoing. However, while the legal process must take its course, the allegations alone will likely cause further harm to the reputation of the Church, already greatly impacted by the fallout of the 2024 Makin Review.

The review scrutinised the Church’s handling of prolific abuser John Smyth, who died in 2018 but is now believed to have sexually abused young children throughout the 1970's and 1980's. The review concluded that senior figures within the Church had knowledge of Smyth’s actions from at least 2013 but failed to make a report to the police.

It is understood that, in November 2024, one of Smyth’s victims called on Conway to resign for having allegedly failed to alert authorities, stating: “He was the person in a position to stop John Smyth, bring him to justice, and he fundamentally failed”.

Public outrage following the Makin Review had a role in the resignation of Archbishop Justin Welby, while Bishop of Liverpool John Perumbalath also recently resigned after facing unrelated allegations of sexual assault against two women. The Bishop of Lincoln’s arrest will no doubt be the latest in this string of unwelcome developments.

The timing of Conway’s alleged acts is significant, as they occurred at a time after reforms were supposed to have been made to the Church’s safeguarding procedure.

Survivors are understandably asking whether the reporting systems in place are sufficiently robust, transparent and survivor-centred. There should be accountability for the actions of any member of the Church found to have abused their position of authority, regardless of their role or seniority within the establishment.  

The Church of England Redress Scheme

In response to findings from the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (IICSA) and subsequent reviews, the Church of England has now approved a comprehensive Redress Scheme for survivors of Church-related abuse.

Key features of the scheme include:

Eligibility:

•    Open to adult and child survivors of abuse connected to the Church of England.
•    Abuse must have been perpetrated by someone in authority within the Church, or someone reasonably perceived to hold such authority.

Types of abuse covered:

•    Sexual abuse
•    Physical abuse
•    Psychological or emotional abuse
•    Spiritual abuse
•    Financial abuse
•    Neglect and maltreatment

Redress available:

•    Financial compensation 
•    Therapeutic, emotional and spiritual support
•    Formal acknowledgement and apology

The Church is understood to have allocated around £150 million to fund the scheme.

Why This Moment Matters

For survivors who have previously felt unable to come forward, current events may be unsettling, but they may also serve as a reminder that safeguarding and accountability are now subject to public scrutiny in ways they were not in decades past.

Survivors of Church-related abuse should be aware that formal mechanisms for redress are now emerging, and that institutional responsibility is increasingly recognised.

If you are considering whether you may be eligible to apply under the forthcoming Church of England Redress Scheme, it may be helpful to seek advice early so that your position can be assessed and prepared in readiness for the scheme opening.

Support for Survivors

If you would like confidential advice about your legal options, including eligibility under the forthcoming redress scheme, our specialist abuse team can provide guidance in a sensitive and supportive manner.

You may also wish to contact one of our partner charities: 

•    We are associated with the National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) who offer a national helpline, online and in-person support sessions - 08088 010331

•    We also work with Safeline who offer counselling and therapy services - 01926 402498