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Bishop Stephen Lake Resigns Amid Financial Irregularities Audit

4/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Right Reverend Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury, has stepped down amid allegations of potential financial irregularities.
The Diocese of Salisbury said Karen Gorham, the Bishop of Sherborne, will temporarily assume Lake's duties during an audit.
The audit covers two funds linked to Lake's office, distinct from other diocesan funds.
Lake, bishop since 2022, has resigned as a trustee of the Church Commissioners, which manages £11.1 billion in assets.

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Story summary

The Right Reverend Stephen Lake, Bishop of Salisbury, has stepped down amid allegations of potential financial irregularities.
The Diocese of Salisbury said Karen Gorham, the Bishop of Sherborne, will temporarily assume Lake's duties during an audit.
The audit covers two funds linked to Lake's office, distinct from other diocesan funds.
Lake, bishop since 2022, has resigned as a trustee of the Church Commissioners, which manages £11.1 billion in assets.