UK Cardinal Course of Action Revealing / Has Come Full Circle

UK cardinal accused of "inappropriate acts" and the news article reports that "O'Brien had been scheduled to lead a Mass at St. Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland, on Sunday morning (February 24, 2013), an occasion dedicated to a celebration of Benedict's time in the papacy. But he did not appear for the Mass. Instead, a statement was made on his behalf by Bishop Stephen Robson, an auxiliary prelate in the Edinburgh diocese."

"A number of allegations of inappropriate behavior have been made against the cardinal," the Church statement said. "The cardinal has sought legal advice, and it would be inappropriate to comment at this time. There will be further statements in due course."

I don't know about you but when was stating the truth ever inappropriate. Whatever happened to facing your brethren, looking them straight in the eyes and saying, "These accusations are false. Unfortunately, I must deal with these worldly concerns and have no choice but to engage legal counsel to handle the matter. In the meantime, I will continue to fulfill my duties in the Church as usual to the best of my abilities . . ." Unless, of course, he would be lying by broadcasting the likes of the immediately preceding statements.

The cardinal's apparent course of action to NOT follow his schedule as planned and to NOT speak directly to the members of his diocese seems like those of a Wall Street wheeler dealer caught in the act of insider trading. It's high time these modern day pharisees are held accountable for their hypocrisy.

Postscript
Version 1--Cardinal Keith O'Brien resigns amid claims of inappropriate behaviour. Pope accepts resignation of UK's most senior Roman Catholic cleric, who has been accused of 'inappropriate acts' . . . However, in a statement released by the church on Monday, it emerged that the pope had accepted O'Brien's resignation a week ago, on 18 February. (Authors: Severin Carrell and Sam Jones, February 25, 2013)

Version 2--Pope forces UK's top Catholic to quit: Vatican rocked again as Cardinal is driven out in sex scandal after complaints from priests. (Author: Steve Doughty, February 25, 2013)

Did he resign or was he forced to quit? I would attribute the drastically different versions to sensationalist tendencies of certain journalists but I suspect the truth is somewhere in between. Bottom line is, let's hope the truth about the accusations comes out in the end and not swept under the rug, which has been the preferred modus of the Vatican et al through the ages.

Postscript
Cardinal O'Brien admits sexual misconduct (March 3, 2013) http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2013/03/03/scottish-cardinal/1960255/

Cardinal O'Brien "blackmail threat" to abuse victim (March 7, 2013)
http://www.scotsman.com/the-scotsman/scotland/cardinal-o-brien-blackmail-threat-to-abuse-victim-1-2820121