On 7 September, the Church of England issued the following Press Release, Clergy Discipline complaints against Bishop of Salisbury.
Clergy Discipline complaints against Bishop of Salisbury
07/09/2026
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.
Subsequent to these allegations, concerns relating to Bishop Stephen’s conduct were raised with the National Safeguarding Team. These 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 remains stepped back from ministry.
Support
If this statement causes distress, support is available through the independent Safe Spaces helpline on 0300 303 1056 or visit safespacesenglandandwales.org.uk.
Alternatively, you may wish to contact the diocesan safeguarding team in your area or the National Safeguarding Team at safeguarding@churchofengland.org.
Other support services are also available.
Comment
Background information is provided by the Church Times (£), which quotes a statement from the Diocese of Salisbury: “These funds relate to the office of the Bishop of Salisbury but are separate from parish share and other funds controlled by the Diocesan Board of Finance.” The diocese also announced that the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, would be Acting Bishop of Salisbury “during this period”. The article concludes:
“A spokesperson for Church House said that Bishop Lake ‘will not be seeking a date for introduction to the House of Lords whilst he remains subject to a complaint under a statutory process’”.
Revised: 9 September 2026 at 09:45.
One assumes that all/ any hearings will be in private and that this does not fall to be dealt with under the Clergy Conduct Measure 2026: presumably a matter of chronology.
Indeed. Although the Clergy Conduct Measure was granted Royal Assent on 8 July 2026, not all of its provisions are currently in force.