Cardinal Keith O'Brien

I guess we are all inclined to forgive and feel sad that he has tarnished his reputation - or the good bits of it. Seems sad after a life's work, however much I might regard his "calling" in a less than favourable light.

But for me it highlights the problems of trying to suppress natural instincts - some my find it right for them, but in general it is fraught with hazard.

Often when people are vociferous against gays, I think "Methinks thou dost protest too much!"

Cardinal Keith O'Brien spoke of breaking vows that he took "as a priest, bishop and cardinal" so presumably not everything relates to events 30 years ago or when he was a young man. Let us remember that this man, who attempted sexual dalliance with younger men under his authority, described same sex marriage as grotesque and same sex parenting as akin to slavery and said that no child would be safe. He's now done a runner out of the country.

He may be penitent but there has been no sign of it. Saying sorry isn't necessarily an indication of penitence – after all, even politicians do it once they've been found out.

I agree, Mishap. Priestly celibacy is a nonsense, and I'm sure that before too much longer that rule will be totally abandoned. In the meantime, sadly much grief has been caused.

And, yes, it is always a personal tragedy when someone who has done much good turns out to be such a hypocrite.

What does sadden me though, is the resounding silence about the victims of his unwanted advances. I cannot believe that they were not damaged in some way. Not so much by the sexual approaches but by being under the authority of a powerful man, who, as bishop or archbishop had control over their lives. Any priest accepts the authority of his bishop, and when this is corrupted, the damage cannot be minor. A bishop, by the very nature of his office is expected to be a leader and a shepherd, having the care of souls. That responsibility has been wanting.