The Bishop of Salisbury has been suspended from ministry, as two complaints brought against him have progressed to the next stage. 

Rt Rev Stephen Lake has been asked to respond to allegations of financial misconduct, as well as separate concerns raised with the National Safeguarding Team relating to his conduct. 

His suspension is a “neutral act while the allegations are progressed under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003”, a Church of England statement said on Thursday. 

Bishop Stephen voluntarily stepped back from diocesan duties in April, while a financial audit of two funds was carried out. 

In a statement last month, Bishop Stephen said he has “co-operated fully with the investigations”.

“I look forward to the opportunity to be able to respond to the allegations brought under the Clergy Discipline Measure,” he added. 

Bishop of Sherborne, Rt Rev Karen Gorham, continues as acting diocesan bishop. Speaking to the Salisbury diocesan synod in June, she acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the situation, describing it as “an unsettling time”.

Bishop Stephen was appointed as Bishop of Salisbury in January 2022. The diocese covers areas from Wiltshire to Dorset, as well as the Channel Islands.