stroppy cardinal backs gay teachers

By Diogenes ( articles ) | Mar 28, 2005

The Scottish Catholic Church capitulates to gays.

Homosexuals will not be banned from teaching in faith schools, says Cardinal Keith O'Brien head of the Roman Catholic Church in Scotland. He said sexual orientation was not, in itself, of any relevance to the Church.

His comments, made yesterday to a Sunday newspaper, flatly contradict those of Bishop Joseph Devine, the president of the Catholic Education Service, who sparked a furore last week when he said being a homosexual teacher "would not at all be compatible" with Church teachings. …

The intervention of Cardinal O’Brien is the sternest rebuke to Bishop Devine, whose remarks were regarded not just as intolerant but as a breach of equality and employment laws. Cardinal O'Brien said: "If there happens to be a gay teacher and he does happen to be living with a partner, that’s their personal, private life. I don’t see it as a problem."

Eminence, if "there happens to be" a gay archbishop -- is that his personal, private life as well? Could you please spell out what other mortal sins you don’t see as a problem for Catholic educators to embrace?

He added there would be no investigation into whether a prospective or practising teacher was gay or lesbian, saying there was no "witch hunt with regard to morality or lifestyle". Church insiders said the cardinal has stepped in to exert his authority and defuse what may be perceived as a row among the hierarchy over issues of faith and morals.

One said: "Joe [Devine] is of sufficient seniority to believe he can effectively say what he likes. His Eminence is reminding him of who is in charge."

Happy Easter.