On behalf of SPUC, I wish to thank His Eminence Cardinal Keith O'Brien, archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh, on the occasion of his retirement, for the many times in which he spoke out forcefully in defence of unborn children and of the family founded on marriage between one man and one woman. I am particularly grateful for the personal support which he gave to SPUC and to me in my role as SPUC director. He can be assured of my prayers and those of SPUC supporters for him and for his successor.
"SPUC has worked tirelessly in Scotland and the UK to fight the evil of abortion for almost 40 years but we must recognise that what really can be described as the forces of darkness have distorted the laws and consciences in our nation and that our situation is now worse than ever ... I'm here to strengthen the resolve of SPUC and I hope that they and other pro-life groups will extend their message more and more in the world in which we live." SPUC Scotland conference, 25 October 2008. In spite of his hectic schedule, the cardinal stayed for the entire conference.