The National Safeguarding Team of the Church of England has confirmed that safeguarding concerns regarding Bishop Stephen Lake have been raised with their team. 

These concerns are being taken very seriously and responded to according to House of Bishops Code of Practice. Support is being offered to all those involved.  

The diocese has no further information and cannot comment while the investigation is underway. The financial audit into two accounts held by the Bishop of Salisbury also continues and is being conducted by the national church. Bishop Karen remains acting Bishop of Salisbury. 

We understand how deeply unsettling and shocking this latest news is. The National Safeguarding Team, who is leading on these matters, can be contacted on safeguarding@churchofengland.org. This is monitored by their duty case workers. 

Alternatively, Safe Spaces is an independent and confidential support advocacy service. Contact their free helpline: 0300 303 1056. 

And there is also support from ThirtyOneEight, a safeguarding support line. Their number is 0303 003 1111.