cleric, resigned his position as the Archbishop of St Andrews and
Edinburgh today Monday February 25th after being accused of
'inappropriate conduct' towards fellow priests.
Three priests and a former priest reported him to the Vatican over
allegations of inappropriate behaviour stretching back 30 years. One
of the priests alleged that the cardinal developed an inappropriate
relationship with him, resulting in a need for long-term psychological
counseling. Another one claimed O'Brien made an inappropriate approach
after night prayers. The four demanded O'Brien's immediate
resignation.
O'Brien denied the allegations and had been expected to continue in
his post as archbishop until mid-March, when he was due to retire at
age 75 but he resigned today.
"I have valued the opportunity of serving the people of Scotland and
overseas in various ways since becoming a priest," Cardinal O'Brien
said in a statement. "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."
The Vatican is to investigate the allegations.
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