Scottish cardinal leaves helm of agency after gay adoptions imposed

Dec 8, 2008 / 20:17 pm

Following the implementation of a U.K. law requiring adoption agencies to serve homosexual couples, Cardinal Keith O’Brien has resigned as head of the St. Andrew’s Children’s Society.

The Sexual Orientation Regulations under the Equality Act enacted by the U.K. parliament are forcing the change. They outlaw discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation in the provision of goods and services.

“Following careful consideration, Cardinal Keith O'Brien has decided to resign his position as President of the St. Andrews Children's Society Ltd,” the Archdiocese of St. Andrews and Edinburgh said in a statement to CNA.

Cardinal O’Brien, Archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, explained in a statement that the society was founded by the Catholic Church in the archdiocese about 85 years ago, but became independent 16 years ago.

“It has not received any funding from the Catholic Church or used any church buildings or facilities since then,” he stated.

"The interests of children must always be paramount and I would hope that the staff of St. Andrews Children's Society Ltd. will continue to work to ensure this in the years that lie ahead."