THE ABUSE OF AUTHORITY

Following the accusations of “inappropriate behaviour” by four separate individuals regarding Cardinal O'Brien, I’m beginning to wonder whether I am the only one wondering what "inappropriate behaviour" means. 

The phrase leaves considerable ambiguity about what is being alleged, but of course people reading of this alleged ‘sexual sin’ or listening to reports in the media, will automatically draw much stronger conclusions than the evidence to date dictates.

 

It is difficult for us to know exactly what happened 30 years ago, and I don't want to be another armchair-judge on this case, but with the Vatican’s PR machine moving at the speed of light into crisis management mode, it can only leave one with the distinct impression that Cardinal O'Brien is indeed guilty of something!

This has not been helped by Rome’s haste to bury the story by insisting that the Cardinal takes early retirement. This only goes to further undermine his reputation.

On facing the media, the Cardinal, who did not contest claims against him, read out this statement, "In recent days certain allegations which have been made against me have become public. Initially, their anonymous and non-specific nature led me to contest them. However, I wish to take this opportunity to admit that there have been times that my sexual conduct has fallen below the standards expected of me, as a priest, archbishop and cardinal…”

So, as the Cardinal slips away into a comfortable, albeit ‘early’ retirement, the sad cost to the church’s faithful must surely add to the moral erosion of their faith.

As for those of a non-spiritual nature,this alleged abuse of authority just adds more fuel to those who point out the hypocritical actions of the establishment in general and shatters the credibility of yet another section of society in whom many had placed their trust.