One scandal too many? by David Williamson
Catholics in Liverpool have today given their views about the resignation and the accusations surrounding Cardinal Keith O’Brien. The most senior Roman Catholic cleric in Britain, Cardinal O’Brien is stepping down as leader of the Scottish Catholic Church. He is currently contesting three accusations about inappropriate behaviour towards other priests dating back to the 1980s. A former priest claims Cardinal O’Brien made an inappropriate approach to him in 1980, after night prayers. A second statement from another complainant says he was living in a parish when he was visited by O’Brien, and inappropriate contact took place
between them, and a third complainant alleges dealing with what he describes as unwanted behaviour by the cardinal in the 1980s after some late-night drinking. Cardinal O’Brien, the Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, apologised to “all whom I have offended” for “any failures” during his ministry. He will not take part in electing a new pope, leaving Britain unrepresented. Liverpool Life asked local Catholics to comment on the cardinal’s resignation and recent events surrounding the Catholic Church and whether the church could recover. At 8pm this Thursday, Pope Benoit XVI will officially leave his position. As from this moment he will be known as ‘emeritus pope’.
Life/Focus/6
© MATEUS_27:24&25. Flickr Pope Benoit XVI retires this week
© Lawrence OP. Flickr. Cardinal Keith O’Brien
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“It’s probably ruined its reputation a little. It doesn’t really help with the timing either because the popes just resigned as well.”
“I’ve grown up Catholic so obviously he’s a part of my religion. If he can give up everyone else can. I think I need to understand more about his role. But I think we’ll be fine.
“The Catholic Church has been around 2000 years, it’s a rain drop on a wind screen. Of course it will recover, it’s a bit of gossip, and it’s a bit of scandal. People are human, people mess up, even priests.”
“I’m from Northern Ireland, and I’ve seen it over the last 40 years. It’s just cover-ups, eventually it has to be exposed and the victims have to be protected.”
“It must really look inside itself and look at the hypocrisy of the organisation and sort itself out. Their public relations at the moment is disgusting especially as it’s surrounding the resignation of the pope. “