The allegations against Cardinal Keith O’Brien have left Catholics bewildered and deeply saddened.
Our bishops in Great Britain have been humble men who preached the ageless teaching of the Church while always acknowledging their own frailty. Today, it would seem, we have become only too aware of the frailty of one of them.
There is no suggestion that the cardinal has done anything criminal but that over 30 years ago he may have acted inappropriately. If justice is being done today, thank God.
The cardinal’s alleged actions and his resignation do not discredit or disprove the teaching of the Catholic Church regarding the way we live our lives but how difficult it can be — though worthwhile — to live and love purely and unselfishly.
Yet despite the allegations made against him, I have been struck by how many have praised the cardinal’s ministry. His occasional strident comments may have made headlines in London but in Scotland he is being praised today for much good work within both the Church and Scottish society. The cardinal’s choice not to attend the conclave is right. He knows that his presence would become the story.
The men who elect the Pope should be wise, good judges of the needs of the time. But each will have failings and weaknesses.
Catholics know this but pray that the cardinals learn from their own failings and weaknesses, and so humbly seek God’s will for the Catholic Church and the world.
Fr Paul Keane is Catholic Chaplain at Essex University and a commentator for Catholic Voices.
