Thursday, September 10, 2026

Bishop of Salisbury breaks silence after misconduct allegations

The Bishop of Salisbury has broken a months-long silence after allegations of misconduct.

Rt Rev Stephen Lake stepped back from his role in July, after the Church of England received allegations of financial and other misconduct against him.

The investigation into those concerns concluded on Monday, but at the same time, the CofE revealed that a new complaint had been levied against him under the Clergy Discipline Measure.

“I continue to stand back voluntarily from public ministry and I have co-operated fully with the investigations,” Bishop Stephen told the Church Times on Tuesday. “I look forward to the opportunity to be able to respond to the allegations brought under the Clergy Discipline Measure.”

Church House, the CofE's administrative body, said on Monday that the new complaint had been raised with the National Safeguarding Team.

“An investigation into allegations of financial misconduct by the Bishop of Salisbury, Stephen Lake, has concluded. A disciplinary complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure has now been brought against him.

"These [new concerns] have been taken very seriously and responded to according to House of Bishops’ Code of Practice. A second and separate disciplinary complaint under the Clergy Discipline Measure has been brought against Bishop Stephen in relation to these concerns."

Bishop Stephen will remain stepped back from ministry at this time.