Cardinal Who Groped Male Priests While Comparing Gay Marriage to Child Abuse Resigns

By Joe Morgan
Gay Star News
March 20, 2015

http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/cardinal-who-groped-male-priests-while-comparing-gay-marriage-child-abuse-resigns200315


Disgraced Cardinal Keith O'Brien has officially resigned today (20 March).

Pope Francis accepted the cleric's resignation of the rights and privileges of a cardinal after he admitted to 'inappropriate sexual misconduct' with four priests.

Prior to the revelation, he had launched a 'war' on same-sex marriage in the UK. He likened it to slavery, child abuse and moral degradation.

But he was exposed as a hypocrite, with several priests coming forward to say O'Brien had made unwanted sexual advances towards them in the 1980s. It was also alleged he had a long-term secret boyfriend.

When O'Brien resigned and fled to live in self-imposed exile, the UK lost one of its most homophobic voices and 'respected' leaders against same-sex marriage. Without him, same-sex marriage undoubtedly had an easier ride to becoming legal in England, Wales and Scotland.

In a statement, the Vatican said the resignation was decided 'after a long period of prayer'. They said the Pope hopes all faithful in the Church of Scotland 'continue with hope the path of renewal and reconciliation'.

O'Brien also issued a statement, repeating a public apology he made in March 2013.

'I then said that there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me. For that I am deeply sorry,' he said.

'I thank Pope Francis for his fatherly care of me and of those I have offended in any way. I will continue to play no part in the public life of the Church in Scotland.'

The ruling allows O'Brien to remain a priest and keep the formal title of cardinal, but he is no longer be allowed to help elect a future pope or advise the current head of the Catholic Church.