Scottish cardinal-designate offers public profession of faith

Published: 2003-10-13

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- Before leaving for Rome to be inducted into the College of Cardinals, Scotland's cardinal-designate made a public profession of faith and affirmed his adherence to church teaching on celibacy, homosexuality and birth control. Cardinal-designate Keith O'Brien of St. Andrews and Edinburgh made the profession Oct. 7 at the Edinburgh cathedral during a service in which he installed a new member of the cathedral's chapter of priests. The profession came about a week after the cardinal-designate had made remarks to reporters indicating he was open to discussion and change on church disciplines regarding celibacy for Latin-rite priests, homosexuality and the use of contraceptives. The cardinal-designate had said, "There is a clear distinction between things that confront us in the church at the present time, which we can say are God's law, like murder, abortion. We can't compromise on matters like that. "Other matters of church law -- and celibacy by priests is one of those sorts of things -- can be discussed," he said. He also had said the presence of homosexuals in the priesthood is not a problem "if they are leading a celibate life."

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