Bishop of Salisbury steps back amid fraud probe over church funds

14 April 2026 , 21:42

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Bishop of Salisbury steps back amid fraud probe over church funds

A bishop is embroiled in a fraud investigation after the Church of England reported “potential financial irregularities” surrounding funds.

The Rt Rev Stephen Lake, the Bishop of Salisbury, stepped back from his role voluntarily last week while an audit took place.

He also stepped down as a trustee and deputy chairman of the Church Commissioners, which controls the purse strings of the Church of England. Its chairman is the Most Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Bishop Lake, 62, has been in his role since 2022, making him the Church’s most senior figure in the Diocese of Salisbury, which covers most of Wiltshire, Dorset and the Channel Islands.

A spokesman for the Church of England said that it would be inappropriate to comment on the nature of the allegations while the audit remains ongoing.

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However, on Monday night it confirmed that all relevant statutory and regulatory bodies had been informed of the allegations, including the police. Officers confirmed that they were investigating allegations of fraud, adding that no arrests had been made.

‘Ongoing financial audit’

Last week, the Church of England had said: “An ongoing financial audit is being undertaken following allegations of potential financial irregularities in relation to two separate funds.”

A spokesman for the Diocese of Salisbury said the two funds being audited related to the office of the Bishop of Salisbury but were “separate from parish share and other funds controlled by the Diocesan Board of Finance”.

It also confirmed that the Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Rev Karen Gorham, would be Acting Diocesan Bishop “during this period”.

A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: “We can confirm we have been contacted by the Church of England regarding allegations of fraud. As an investigation is ongoing, it would not be appropriate for us to comment further at this time. No arrests have been made.”

Sophie Walker

Deputy Editor & UK News