Home

BALLARAT ANGLICAN LAITY

For lay members of the Anglican Church in the Diocese of Ballarat

A request for prayer to any who visit this site.

Please pray for all in this Diocese, that we may, under the direction of our Heavenly Father, find the best way to heal our divisions, grow in the love of God, and live the gospel as His children are meant to do.

In a confidential Deed of Settlement Bishop Michael Hough has resigned his position as Bishop of Ballarat, effective from December 20 this year. Until that time it is believed that Bishop Michael will be on leave, although this has not been confirmed. Bishop Philip Huggins has been appointed as Vicar-General in the interim.

A poorly worded (but large) headline on page 2 of the Ballarat Courier on Saturday, June 26, stated "Bishop absolved.", implying innocence on the part of the Bishop. In defence of those who had filed complaints against him, but who are now bound by the agreement to remain silent on any matter relating to this saga, the Courier headline is grossly misleading, with at least one site interpreting this heading as "Bishop cleared". The ESC have simply determined not to continue the investigation in light of the deed of settlement that saw the Bishop resign and the complaints withdrawn.

The process of healing will take long enough without articles like this providing misinformation that may well see the Bishop's supporters proclaiming his innocence and widening the rift already present between the factions in the diocese. Bishop Michael's innocence or guilt is simply a moot point due to the arrangement, with whatever truth there may be in comments from either side now being most likely a matter for resolution in the next life.

Let us please work on charity from both sides and get on with the work of the Church. We have bled more than enough.

News

Bishop Resigns

20-06-2010

At the commencement of proceedings at the Anglican Synod of Ballarat, held in Portland over the weekend, two statements were read to the assembled delegates. The first was from Bishop Michael Hough, stating that he had decided it was in the best interests of the Diocese that he resign his position. He will formally step down in December this year, but it is understood he will be on leave until then. The second was read on behalf of the complainants against Bishop Michael, stating that a settlement with the Bishop had been reached and the complaints had been withdrawn.

We ask your prayers for the Bishop, his family, the complainants and all others in the Diocese, that the focus of all may be on healing and reconciliation under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.