Top British Cardinal apologizes for sexual misconduct

Resigned Cardinal Keith O’Brien of Britain admits his sexual conduct had “fallen below the standards expected of me.” In a statement, the former head of the Catholic Church in Scotland apologized “to those I have offended… to the Catholic Church and people of Scotland.” O’Brien resigned in the wake of claims that he made sexual advances towards priests which date back to the 1980s — allegations which he initially denied. The allegations include claims that one priest received unwanted attention from O’Brien after a late-night drinking session, while another priest reportedly claims that O’Brien used night prayers as cover for inappropriate contact. O’Brien also angered the gay community with his hardline public stance on homosexuality. He was named “bigot of the year” in 2012 by the gay rights charity Stonewall. He said, “I will now spend the rest of my life in retirement. I will play no further part in the public life of the Catholic Church in Scotland.” He also confirmed he will not take part in the papal election conclave.

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