More than 300 disgruntled Anglican laity from the Ballarat diocese have signed the petition calling for Bishop Hough to resign over allegations he bullied clergy for not increasing numbers at church.

Other concerns involve the number of laity leaving the church, an exodus of priests from the diocese and the number of parishes without priests.

Bishop Hough is half-way through a month's sick leave from his position. Melbourne assistant bishop Phillip Huggins has been appointed as vicar-general of the diocese in Bishop Hough's absence.

Organisers of the petition, Ballarat Laity Against Bullying (BLAB), were heartened by the number of signatures, despite claims that BLAB members were "actively barred" from collecting names in several parishes in the diocese.

BLAB spokesman Euan Thompson claimed the synod electoral roll had been "stacked" with pro-Bishop Hough representatives.

However, he said this would not deter a no confidence motion in the bishop being put forward at the Portland synod this weekend.

Mr Thompson said canvassing for signatures in some parishes was difficult, claiming that these areas were "controlled by clergy who are pro-bishop".

"Through the no confidence motion, the laity wants to say that humiliation and bullying of good people is not accepted," Mr Thompson said.

Bishop Hough has been under siege from disgruntled church laity for almost two years.

An Episcopal Standards Commission (ESC) investigation into complaints of misconduct against Bishop Hough has been under way for 18 months with no resolution.

Thirteen diocesan clergy and other former clergy and senior lay people have lodged complaints against the bishop.

Under church law, complaints against bishops are investigated by the ESC. It can then lay charges, which would be heard by the church's special tribunal.

A web site, bal-lay.com has been set up for people who wish to support the push for Bishop Hough's resignation can sign the petition.