Cardinal Keith O'Brien to resign

Cardinal Keith O'Brien is to resign as Archbishop

14:40 25 February 2013

A senior member of the Roman Catholic Church in the UK is resigning from his post. Cardinal Keith O'Brien will resign from his position in the Scottish Catholic Church where he is Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh.

The news comes following allegations being made against Cardinal O'Brien, which date back as far as the 1980s according to reports. The clergy man denies the allegations.

He has said he is sorry for any offence he has caused during his role however.

Cardinal O'Brien said: "I have valued the opportunity of serving the people of Scotland and overseas in various ways since becoming a priest.

"Looking back over my years of ministry: For any good I have been able to do, I thank God. For any failures, I apologise to all whom I have offended.”

His resignation was thought to take effect in March, although it is understood it has been brought forward to Monday, 25th February, 2013.

First Minister of Scotland Alex 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 know the 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."

Based on reports, some people think that the decision could be the right one.

 

Cardinal O'Brien has been the Archbishop of of St Andrews and Edinburgh since 1985, and was made Cardinal in 2003.