The Bishop of Salisbury, the Rt. Rev. Stephen Lake, has voluntarily stepped back today from his duties as bishop while his episcopal accounts are being audited. 

In a statement given to Anglican.Ink, a diocesan spokesman said: “‘The Rt Revd Stephen Lake has voluntarily stepped back as diocesan bishop while a financial audit of two funds is underway. 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 Bishop of Sherborne, the Rt Revd Karen Gorham, will be acting diocesan bishop during this period.’

The Church Times reports Bishop Lake has also resigned as a trustee of the Church Commissioners. Elected by General Synod as Church Commissioner from October 2022, Bishop Lake was Deputy Chair of Board and had been a member of Bishoprics & Cathedrals Committee. As of 9 April 2026, he remains listed as a trustee on the Church Commissioners’ website.