Cardinal: 'I'll Fight Claims from Priests'

By Cameron Hay
The Scottish Sun
February 24, 2013

http://www.thescottishsun.co.uk/scotsol/homepage/4810602/Cardinal-OBrien-faces-allegations-of-inappropriate-behaviour.html

Accused ... Cardinal O'Brien to fight allegations

SCOTLAND’S top Catholic was last night set to fight allegations made by four priests.

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, 74, has been accused of “inappropriate behaviour” dating back more than 33 years.

It is understood that three serving and one former priest have made claims against the churchman in reports to the Vatican.

But last night a spokesman for the Edinburgh-based Cardinal said he will “contest” the claims.

Peter Kearney said: “Cardinal O’Brien contests these claims and is taking legal advice.”

The four priests, from the diocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, have complained to the Vatican’s ambassador to Britain, Antonio Mennini.

They have also demanded Cardinal O’Brien’s immediate resignation.

It comes as a top Catholic scholar last night warned there was “absolutely no chance” of the Church rushing through plans for priests to wed.

Vatican expert Michael Walsh said calls by Cardinal O’Brien to axe the celibacy rule would “raise eyebrows” in Rome.

But he warned: “The Church is like an enormous oil tanker that takes a long time to change course.

“The most likely thing is for them to decide to ordain elderly married men in cases of extreme shortage of clergy.”

Nicholas Lash, professor of divinity at the University of Cambridge, said Cardinal O’Brien’s pleas were “most refreshing”.

But he added: "Plenty of bishops would welcome a change to the celibacy law but keep their views to themselves.”

Cardinal O’Brien spoke out ahead of a trip to Rome where he will be the only British cleric able to vote for a successor to Pope Benedict XVI.

He said of priests marrying: “In my time there was no choice. I would like others to have the choice.”