The Bishop of Lincoln has been suspended from office amid a police investigation into the handling of safeguarding issues at the Lincoln Diocese.
He faces allegations that he did not adequately safeguard children and vulnerable people, but peers clarified he is not accused of committing abuse.
The Archbishop of Canterbury said in a statement: “Following information provided by the police, I have suspended the Bishop of Lincoln Christopher Lowson from office, having obtained the consent of the Bishops of Birmingham and Worcester (the two longest serving bishops in the Province of Canterbury).
“If these matters are found to be proven I consider that the bishop would present a significant risk of harm by not adequately safeguarding children and vulnerable people.
“I would like to make it absolutely clear that there has been no allegation that Bishop Christopher has committed abuse of a child or vulnerable adult.
“The Bishop of Grimsby, David Court, will take on episcopal leadership of the diocese. It should be noted that suspension is a neutral act and nothing further can be said at this stage while matters are investigated.
“I ask for prayers for all affected by this matter.”
Commenting today the Bishop of Lincoln said:
“I am bewildered by the suspension and will fully cooperate in this matter.
“For the sake of the diocese and the wider Church I would like this to be investigated as quickly as possible to bring the matter to a swift conclusion.”
Lincolnshire Police said in a statement: “We are aware of the decision today of the Archbishop of Canterbury to suspend the Bishop of Lincoln from office and it would not be appropriate for us to comment on that decision.
“The first phase of the Lincolnshire Police Operation Redstone investigation into historic sex abuse cases involving contact resulted in three men being convicted.
“Phase 2 of the investigation is continuing into wider safeguarding issues and management decisions within the Diocese. Because it is a live investigation and we do not want to jeopardise the outcome, we do not intend to make any further comment.
“We are committed to ensuring the safeguarding of victims and continue to work with the full co-operation of the Lincoln Diocese.
“There is an absolute multi-agency commitment to a transparent, survivor–focussed and diligent investigation of every matter raised with the team.
“Anyone wanting to make contact in complete confidence can do so to the Diocese Safeguarding Adviser, Debbie Johnson who can be contacted on 01522 504081.”
The Right Reverend Christopher Lawson’s suspension comes after two key Lincoln Cathedral figures ‘stepped back’ last month.
As previously reported, both the Dean of Lincoln Christine Wilson and Chancellor Paul Overend’s absences were linked to safeguarding issues.
It also comes during an ongoing police investigation codenamed Operation Redstone, though it has not yet been confirmed if recent investigations fall into the Lincolnshire Police investigation.
Operation Redstone previously uncovered shocking abuse at the hands of Diocese of Lincoln clergy and staff.
Three men have been convicted by Lincolnshire Police, Roy Griffiths, John Bailey and Stephen Crabtree.
Investigations found decades of allegations had been ignored by Lincoln bishops. Victims spoke out the first time in a BBC Panorama documentary last month.
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Police have released CCTV images of men they’re searching for in connection with the persistent and violent robbery of a 13-year-old boy in Long Sutton.
An iPhone and £20 was stolen from the boy, who was viciously attacked by a large group on Bull Lane on September 30 at around 8pm.
He was beaten by several young men and was punched and kicked while on the floor, before he managed to flee to a nearby takeaway on the High Street.
The group chased after him and attacked him inside the shop.
A passer-by managed to get the victim’s iPhone back for him, but it was snapped in half.
One of the men involved has been described as white, of small build and pale complexion.
He had short brown wavy hair with shaved sides and was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.
Another man, also white, also of small build with pale complexion, is thought to be involved.
He has short to medium ginger hair, slicked back, and no facial hair.
He was wearing a grey two-toned long sleeve jumper with black Nike branding on the front. He was wearing blue jeans.
Lincolnshire Police said they believe those pictured can help with their investigation.
Anyone who thinks they can help is being asked to contact the force:
By calling 101 quoting incident 352 of 30th September
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 352 of 30th September in the subject line
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online
A shop in Spalding with a long history of licensing problems is again incurring the wrath of Lincolnshire Police next week.
The force’s licensing team have submitted evidence to South Holland District Council either objecting to applications, or calling for a review of businesses at 34 Westlode Street – formerly Delicja, but now operating as A2Z Food Express – a total of 15 times since 2018.
On Tuesday, they will again argue that Saglar Ahmat’s application to Vary a Premises Licence by taking off two conditions limiting the number and strength of beers, lagers and ciders sold, should not be approved.
The force said the conditions “assist the operator in limiting their impact on an existing problem area” which is covered by a Public Space Protection Order for street drinking, littering, spitting, urination and defecation.
There are currently two licenses associated with the premises, one which has been revoked and has been taken to appeal and a new licence. Both are currently under Mr Ahmat’s name.
Licensing Officer Gina McConville, in a 30 page report to councillors, outlined the history of the premises’ licence holders and its connections to smuggled goods and laundering – including alcohol and cigarettes.
She said a recent check continued to find failures to comply with licensing conditions – including failure to price mark single cans of foreign beer, which she said was “an indicator of smuggled goods”.
“In total for this one premises Lincolnshire Police have submitted 15 separate pieces of work since 2018 in an effort to stop individuals with proven links to criminality obtaining the licence or remaining in a position of control on the licence.
“There is still great concern remaining as to who’s behind the premises and… little confidence that issues with licence compliance and objectives will ever be taken seriously and resolved.”
The premises previously operated as Delicja. Photo: Google Maps
She told councillors the applicant needed to “understand their place and impact in the community” and “put licensing objectives before profit”.
“The applicant has offered no other conditions that would assist in limiting his premises effect.
“Without these conditions the premises will be adding to the issues which created the need for the PSPO in the first place and that need remains as the PSPO has been reviewed and remains in place.
“Lincolnshire Police has concerns in the applicant’s ability due to the previous failure to price mark and non‐compliance with conditions on a revoked premise licence. These very conditions will assist him all the more.”
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