March 4, 2013 | Sex & Society

Scottish Cardinal resigns over sexual misconduct

Cardinal Keith O’Brien has joined the ranks of hypocritical, homophobic, power-abusing liars. 

O'Brien's troubles started when reports surfaced that several priests had accused him of inappropriate sexual conduct. 

The 74-year-old, former head of the Catholic Church in Scotland, quickly denied the allegations. However, once a fifth claim was made against him he decided to resign.

On Sunday, he released a statement in which he apologised for his behavior and asked for forgiveness.

“In recent days certain allegations which have been made against me have become public. Initially, their anonymous and non-specific nature led me to contest them.

“However, 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.

“To those I have offended, I apologise and ask forgiveness … To the Catholic Church and people of Scotland, I also apologise.”

O'Brien has been a vociferous opponent of gay rights, gay adoption and same sex marriage.

According to journalist Catherine Deveney,  "... one of the priests involved, one of the complainants involved, said to me tonight after he had resigned that he felt very sad for the cardinal but he also felt very sad for the people over the years that the cardinal had harmed. The young people who had struggled with their homosexuality and were told by the cardinal that they were degenerate, when clearly that was not what the cardinal really felt.”

So to the man who likened gay marriage to "slavery" and "child abuse," and called it a "grotesque subversion," we say: good bye and good riddance you self-hating shmuck. Don't let the church door hit you on the way out.

Priests 'feel vindicated' after Cardinal Keith O'Brien admission [BBC]

Following Resignation, Top British Cardinal Acknowledges Sexual Misconduct [New York Times]

Statement from Cardinal O'Brien [Scottish Catholic Media Office]