SCOTLAND
USA Today
Cathy Lynn Grossman, USA TODAY
3:07p.m. EST March 3, 2013
Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien, who stepped down as archbishop last week amid accusations of sexual impropriety, on Sunday apologized for his past sexual conduct.
O’Brien issued a statement saying he had contested early allegations made against him because of their “anonymous and non-specific nature.” He offered no specifics Sunday, but did apologize for his behavior.
“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,” his statement said. “To those I have offended, I apologize and ask forgiveness. To the Catholic Church and people of Scotland, I also apologize.
“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.”
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