Rt Rev Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury, is facing two disciplinary complaints following an investigation into allegations of financial misconduct and separate concerns about his conduct.

The Church of England announced on Monday that an investigation into the allegations of financial misconduct has concluded, with a disciplinary complaint now brought against Bishop Lake under the Clergy Discipline Measure.

A second, separate disciplinary complaint has also been brought following concerns about Bishop Stephen’s conduct, which were raised with the Church of England’s National Safeguarding Team (NST).

The Church said the concerns had been "taken very seriously" and responded to according to the House of Bishops Code of Practice.

Bishop Stephen remains stepped back from ministry.

The latest announcement follows months of uncertainty surrounding the Bishop of Salisbury.

Bishop Stephen voluntarily stepped back from his diocesan duties in April while a financial audit of two funds was carried out. At the time, the Diocese of Salisbury said the decision was made while the audit was completed.

In July, Bishop Lake’s conduct had been referred to the NST. The Church of England said at the time that the concerns were being taken seriously and that support was being offered to those involved.

Bishop Lake was appointed Bishop of Salisbury in January 2022. The Diocese of Salisbury covers Wiltshire, Dorset and the Channel Islands.

During his absence, Rt Rev Karen Gorham has continued as acting diocesan bishop. Speaking to the Salisbury diocesan synod in June, Bishop Karen acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation, describing it as "an unsettling time".

The Church of England has not provided further details about the allegations or the concerns relating to Bishop Stephen’s conduct.