After the resignation, we kinda knew. But now we know for sure. Cardinal O’Brien, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, did the dirty. Sad and sickening.
3 March 2013
Statement from Cardinal O’Brien
In recent days certain allegations which have been made against me have become public. Initially, their anonymous and non-specific nature led me to contest them.
However, I wish to take this opportunity to admit that there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal.
To those I have offended, I apologise and ask forgiveness.
To the Catholic Church and people of Scotland, I also apologise.
I will now spend the rest of my life in retirement. I will play no further part in the public life of the Catholic Church in Scotland.
March 3, 2013 at 9:02 pm
Might be helpful if he would spend his time in prayer and penance.
March 3, 2013 at 10:38 pm
I have heard — I do know know — that Cardinal Wolsey, when sacked by Henry VIII and thus deprived of honors and offices and the lures of this world, made a good end to his life. There's probably a lesson in this for all of us, and we can certainly be grateful that we won't be offered a red hat.
March 4, 2013 at 4:25 am
"O'Brien, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, did the dirty." In all honesty, that short apology tells me nothing other than that his "sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of … a priest, archbishop and cardinal". While this is never a good thing, I know of a number of priests whose careers ended on what I would describe as relatively minor and certainly ancient missteps. I hope this applies to Cardinal O'Brien as well.
March 4, 2013 at 12:02 pm
elm,
you can be sorry for the offense that your behaviour has caused. You can admit the behaviour does not reach the expected standard given your office. That does not mean he is sorry for the behaviour ITSELF. Cardinal O'Brien did NOT admit he did the Dirty. He has not condemned his behaviour nor spoken of reparation in respect of it. He was due to resign anyway and the Pope asked him to leave. He did not leave on his own accord.
March 4, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Thanks be to God that the cardinal has admitted his sins, rather than continuing to protest his innocence. Now he can proceed to penance, and the scandal will not continue to accumulate.