UNITED KINGDOM
Belfast Telegraph
Editor’s Viewpoint– 26 February 2013
The resignation of Cardinal Keith O’Brien heralds more turmoil for the Catholic Church. While he denies allegations of improper conduct levelled at him by three priests and a former priest, it is an issue which will not go away. The damage done to the church in Ireland by clerical sexual abuse of young people has eroded its moral and political authority and there is no doubt that these latest allegations – which unproven – will lead many to question the standing of the church in Scotland.
Cardinal O’Brien, who had tendered his resignation last November before these allegations surfaced, has done the right thing in standing aside now instead of allowing a media feeding frenzy to develop. The Pope, who is to retire on Thursday, also made the correct move in agreeing to the Cardinal leaving office.
Of course what it does is leave big problems for both their successors. For the new Scottish cardinal the task will be somewhat similar. While Cardinal O’Brien certainly won respect for much of his work, his outspoken views on gays and abortion hit a discordant note with many.
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