Bishop of Lincoln to face formal disciplinary proceedings

The Church of England has confirmed that Bishop Christopher Lowson continues to be suspended after allegedly failing to “respond appropriately to safeguarding disclosures”.

A Church of England spokesperson said: “Formal proceedings under the Clergy Discipline Measure have been instituted by the national director of safeguarding.

“These allege that the Bishop failed to respond appropriately to safeguarding disclosures.”

The Church clarifies that there is no allegation that Bishop Christopher has committed abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.

The Bishop was originally suspended last year and an investigation was commissioned to consider whether the bishop would present a significant risk of harm by not adequately safeguarding children and vulnerable people, if the matters were found to be proven.

The spokesman continued: “We cannot comment further while the process runs its course. The Bishop of Grimsby, David Court, continues to provide episcopal leadership of the diocese.”

Bishop Lowson has previously said he would fully co-operate on the matter to bring it to a conclusion.

The Diocese of Lincoln covers Lincolnshire, North Lincolnshire and North-East Lincolnshire.