SCOTLAND
Daily Record
Cardinal Keith O’Brien resigns as head of Catholic Church in Scotland with immediate effect following allegations of misconduct dating back 30 years
SCOTLAND’S top Catholic Cardinal Keith O’Brien has resigned from his position as head of the church in Scotland after being accused of inappropriate conduct by three priests.
BRITAINS most senior Roman Catholic cleric Cardinal Keith O’Brien, who is facing allegations of inappropriate behaviour, is stepping down with immediate effect.
He said he tendered his resignation some time ago, but added: “The Holy Father has now decided that my resignation will take effect today.”
Cardinal O’Brien, Archbishop of Saint Andrews and Edinburgh, said he would not be joining the conclave to choose a successor to Pope Benedict XVI: “I do not wish media attention in Rome to be focused on me – but rather on Pope Benedict XVI and on his successor.”
In a statement issued by the Scottish Catholic Church, he said: “I have valued the opportunity of serving the people of Scotland and overseas in various ways since becoming a priest.
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