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Cardinal breaks off relations with Scottish first minister over gay marriage

Cardinal Keith O'Brien, the head of the Catholic Church in Scotland, has broken off relation with Alex Salmond, the Scottish first minister, over the Scottish government's approach to same-sex marriage. The cardinal has insisted that all future discussions between the church and the  government be conducted by officials instead. [Express, 20 August] Cardinal O'Brien has been the UK's most outspoken religious leader against same-sex marriage. John Smeaton, SPUC director, commented: "Cardinal O'Brien's recent announcement breaking off dialogue with senior Scottish politicians is a sign of how grave the situation is. When politicians give the impression that they are listening, but continue pursuing the opposite objectives (in this case, the abolition of legal recognition for real marriage, replacing it with a counterfeit) firm action is needed."

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