10 notable Christian deaths of 2018

By Michael Gryboski, Mainline Church Editor Saturday, December 15, 2018

Keith O'Brien – March 19, 2018

Cardinal Keith O'Brien is seen speaking to the media outside St.Mary's Cathedral in Edinburgh, Scotland in this May 31, 2007 file photograph. | (Photo: Credit: Reuters/David Moir/Files)

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, formerly the Catholic Church's most senior cleric in Britain before he was taken down by a child sexual abuse scandal, died at age 80 following declining health and a fall that badly injured him.

O’Brien served as archbishop of St. Andrews and Edinburgh from 1985 to 2013 and received several honorary doctorates and was once the Bailiff Grand Cross of Honour and Devotion among the Knights of Malta.

In 2013, O’Brien resigned after facing multiple credible accusations of sexual misconduct. He initially denied the allegations, but then confessed to them and apologized to the Church and to those he hurt in a public letter.

“In life, Cardinal O'Brien may have divided opinion,” said Archbishop Leo Cushley of St. Andrews and Edinburgh, as reported by the BBC.

“In death, however, I think all can be united in praying for the repose of his soul, for comfort for his grieving family and that support and solace be given to those whom he offended, hurt and let down. May he rest in peace.”