Sadness greets leader’s decision to resign

Shock as cardinal’s move rocks the Catholic Church in Scotland

LEADING Scots have reacted to the hastened resignation of Cardinal Keith O’Brien with a mixture of shock and sadness, amid claims there was little choice but for the senior cleric to stand down.

Days after he seized headlines with claims he supports the notion of married priests, allegations that Cardinal O’Brien behaved inappropriately towards young priests in the 1980s dealt the church in Scotland a critical blow to its authority and credibility.

But Cardinal O’Brien, known as a defender of Catholic teaching on abortion, euthanasia and homosexuality, was supported by First Minister Alex Salmond

Mr Salmond said: “It would be a great pity if a lifetime of positive work was lost from comment in the circumstances of his resignation.

“None of us knowthe outcome of the investigation into the claims made against him but I have found him to be a good man for his church and country.”

John Haldane, Professor of Philosophy, University of St Andrews, and Vatican adviser, said the resignation of Cardinal O’Brien as Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh was “both shocking and sad”.

He praised the cardinal’s relations with other churches and faiths, and civil and political society. However, he added: “Given the nature of the accusations and the publication of them over the weekend, ahead of the formal abdication of Pope Benedict later in the week, it is unsurprising he has taken the decision to resign.”

However, Brian Fitzpatrick, a former Labour MSP, said he hoped the resignation would usher in a new era for the faith.

He said: “For the past 30 years, we have had to squirm as the bishops delivered yet another intemperate public utterance in our name and a lot of Catholics are fed up of being ashamed of the Church’s national leaders.

“Sadly, we never have had the benefit of a talented and gifted hierarchy. Where are the likes of Cardinal Hume?

“A bad outcome of this resignation is there will be no British vote in the conclave – we need voices calling for renewal. Cardinal O’Brien appeared only to rediscover his past liberal roots just hours before he left.

“I fear yet more good Catholic layfolk will view this as the last straw. That is the unforgivable price that will be paid.

“These are allegations but they are serious allegations.

“The suggestion that at least one man was lost to his priesthood as a result is shocking for believers. So I expect many will be angry.”

Kelvin Holdsworth, the Episcopalian Bishop of Glasgow, said: “The opposition the Catholic Church made to gay couples being able to be married has been pretty vile and some things said have come from the mouth of Keith Patrick O’Brien.”

However, he added: “I take no pleasure from his departure and I don’t think I know anyone in any of the churches who will.

“This brings none of us any good.”