The clergy of St Paul’s Cathedral are split over how to handle the Occupy London Stock Exchange (#occuplylsx on Twitter) protest. Protesters outside have set up a camp and are refusing to move; they wish to see support the 99% against the corporate greed of the 1%.
The cathedral has been forced to shut over health and safety grounds. While some of the clergy considered using legal powers to force an eviction of the protesters – sending in the police – others, like Dr Giles Fraser were appalled at the idea. Was this anyway for for the cathedral to act? He threatened to resign.
Sadly, today, Dr Giles Fraser felt it necessary to resign in order to support the humane treatment of the protesters outside and St Paul’s Cathedral accepted the resigionation.
The dean of St Paul’s, the Rt Rev Graeme Knowles told press;
Giles has brought a unique contribution to the life and ministry of St Paul’s and we will be very sorry to see him go.
“He has developed the work of the St Paul’s Institute and has raised the profile of our work in the City.
“We are obviously disappointed that he is not able to continue to his work with Chapter during these challenging days.
“We will miss his humour and humanity and wish Giles and his family every good wish into the future.”
In Pure Spirit
Do you think Dr Giles Fraser has done the right thing? Has the cathedral authorties acted correctly and fairly during the protest?
What do you think about the Occupy London Stock Exchange protest? Do you agree with their message or their means?
Picture credit: Peter Morgan
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