Bishop of Salisbury suspended from ministry amid allegations of financial misconduct and ‘safeguarding’ concerns
Stephen Lake, the Bishop of Salisbury, has been suspended from ministry after two complaints under the Clergy Discipline Measure moved to their next stage. The complaints follow allegations of financial misconduct and concerns about his conduct referred to the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team; the Church says suspension is a neutral step while they are considered.
Lake stepped back from duties in April after alleged financial irregularities involving two funds in his office and resigned as a trustee of the Church Commissioners. He says he has co-operated fully with the investigations. The safeguarding concerns relate to adults, and police were reportedly informed but took no further action at that stage. Karen Gorham, Bishop of Sherborne, is acting Bishop of Salisbury while the process continues.
- Stephen Lake has been suspended while two complaints proceed.
- The complaints concern alleged financial misconduct and safeguarding concerns.
- Karen Gorham is acting Bishop of Salisbury.
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The Bishop of Salisbury is a senior position in the Church of England, leading the diocese (a regional church administration) covering parts of Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset. Stephen Lake has held the position since 2012.
Lake faces two allegations being formally investigated. First, financial irregularities have been claimed involving funds in his office, which prompted him to step back from his duties in April and resign as a trustee of the Church Commissioners. Second, concerns about his conduct towards adults have been raised with the Church of England's National Safeguarding Team; police were also informed but did not pursue a case.
The Church of England has formal procedures for investigating complaints against clergy, a process Lake has stated he has fully co-operated with. The Church has emphasised that his suspension is a neutral procedural step and does not indicate any finding of wrongdoing. During this process, Karen Gorham, the Bishop of Sherborne, is serving as acting Bishop of Salisbury.