Bishop Michael Hough organised no synod meeting in Ballarat last year: priests' lawyer

By Brendan Gullifer
Updated November 2 2012 - 11:03am, first published January 12 2009 - 1:46pm

BALLARAT was the only diocese in the Anglican church in Australia not to hold a synod meeting last year, according to a lawyer representing priests trying to depose Bishop Michael Hough.Roger Blythman of Collins St firm William Murray said this was contrary to the provisions of the legislation of the diocese.And no date had been set for a 2009 synod meeting, comprising the bishop, clergy and elected parish representatives, to govern diocese business, he said."The bishop has had the opportunity to take the diocese with him in his vision by obtaining the support of the synod," Mr Blythman said in a statement. "He has not sought to do so."Complaints about Bishop Hough do not relate to his vision for the diocese, his physical appearance or dress, Mr Blythman said."They relate to his behaviour towards the complainants and others who are entitled to expect pastoral care from their bishop."Mr Blythman said the exact nature of the complaints were confidential under church legislation.He said 13 clergy of the diocese, a number of senior lay people and former clergy of the diocese had lodged complaints."(Complainants) represent the majority of the current clergy of the diocese, all of whom are fully involved in the life of their communitiesMr Blythman said church law prevented him revealing the identity of the complainants, and that they were pursuing action against the bishop through appropriate church channels."The action they have taken has required courage and much soul searching."The issue is the manner in which (Bishop Hough) conducts himself and which my clients believe to be in breach of his legal and pastoral obligations and which will soon be resolved through the tribunals of the church."Under church law, complaints against bishops are investigated by the Episcopal Standards Commission.The ESC may appoint its own investigator and has the right to lay charges which would be heard by the church's Special Tribunal.This tribunal comprises senior clerics and lawyers and has the power to counsel a bishop and ultimately have him removed.

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