Scottish cardinal says his orthodoxy was never in question

Published: 2003-10-21

ROME (CNS) -- On the eve of receiving his red hat, Cardinal Keith O'Brien of St. Andrew's and Edinburgh, Scotland, insisted he was an orthodox Catholic, pointing out that Pope John Paul II and Vatican officials found him worthy of being a cardinal. "I think I can say in all honesty I have not been found lacking by the highest authorities of our church with regard to my orthodoxy," the cardinal told reporters in Rome Oct. 20. Cardinal O'Brien said people have confused his willingness to discuss issues that are open to debate with a maverick attitude of questioning issues that already have been decided. In early October, he made a public profession of faith and affirmed his acceptance of church teaching on priestly celibacy, homosexual activity and contraception. Just after being named a cardinal Sept. 28, he made remarks that appeared to signal openness to further debate on those issues. Cardinal O'Brien also said he found it "consoling" and "reassuring to realize I had so many supporters," who came from Scotland for the Oct. 21 consistory.

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