Disgraced Scottish cardinal found living in English village near Scottish border
July 16, 2014
Scottish Cardinal Keith O’Brien, who resigned in disgrace in 2012 after admitting to sexual misconduct, is now living in a home purchased by the Edinburgh archdiocese in Northumberland, England, the Daily Record has revealed.
Cardinal O’Brien has been living since January in a village about 50 miles from the Scottish border, apparently unrecognized by his neighbors. When questioned about his situation, he said: “I’m not speaking to anyone at the moment.”
Archbishop Leo Cushley, who succeeded Cardinal O’Brien as leader of the Edinburgh archdiocese, disclosed to his priests in April that the cardinal is being investigated by the Vatican. The cardinal had been accused of making advances on other priests, and there were reports of widespread homosexual activity within the ranks of the archdiocesan clergy. Last year, Archbishop Cushley had told reporters that Cardinal O’Brien had left Scotland, and probably would not return.
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Further information:
- Revealed: Sex shame cardinal Keith O'Brien enjoying retirement in £208k Northumberland bungalow provided by Catholic Church (Daily Record)
- Vatican investigation focuses on Cardinal O'Brien, misconduct in Scottish archdiocese (CWN, 4/4)
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Posted by: hartwood01 -
Jul. 17, 2014 9:17 PM ET USA
Pretty good deal,a nice bungalow beats penance in a monastery any day. No wonder people see the Catholic Church as sheltering criminal priests.
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Posted by: JimKcda -
Jul. 17, 2014 8:00 PM ET USA
"When O’Brien stepped down, he admitted he had been sexually active throughout his time in the Church. He said: “There have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me as a priest, archbishop and cardinal.” Who else can admit guilt to such serious charges and still get to retire with pension and a home? The Church owes him nothing, and it is another's scandle that he is still being supported by loyal Catholics that he betrayed.
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Posted by: james-w-anderson8230 -
Jul. 16, 2014 6:24 PM ET USA
If we read to the very end of the first source for this article we find that "... the price was within the cost range of other purchases for retired clergy housing.” Until the end of the investigation he retains the rights of any other priest. I don't know what responsibility the church has for him if found guilty. He may have no means of supporting himself.
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Posted by: timothy.op -
Jul. 16, 2014 5:44 PM ET USA
I fail to see why this constitutes news. Though I'm no admirer of O'Brien, if he is doing us the favor of 'laying low,' shouldn't we leave him be? I just don't see what good it does to draw more attention to him when no significant developments in the story have taken place.
