Ballarat bishop Michael Hough cleared by church

AN INVESTIGATION into Ballarat bishop Michael Hough has been dropped by the Anglican church.In a statement released to the media this afternoon, the Episcopal Standards Commission said in light of complaints against the bishop being withdrawn, it would take ''no further action''.''The Episcopal Standards Commission has received notification that the complainants have withdrawn their complaints against Bishop Michael Hough, the Bishop of Ballarat,'' the statement read.''The ESC has determined to take no further action pursuant to the Special Tribunal Canon in relation to any matter raised by the complainants.''Today's announcement comes just five days after it was revealed Bishop Hough would stand down at the end of the year.Melbourne assistant bishop and acting Ballarat vicar-general Philip Huggins made the announcement at a synod in Portland last Sunday.A 12-member committee has been elected to find a replacement for the Bishop, who is on sick leave.Thirteen clergy and lay people lodged an official complaint against the Bishop with the ESC in late 2008.The group withdrew their complaints after a confidential deed of settlement between their group, Bishop Hough and the Ballarat diocese was entered into.