In spite of media coverage earlier today, saying that St Paul's Cathedral, the current situation and its staff were becoming a laughing stock, Cathedral administration is sticking to its guns.
Early today, November 1, 2011, it seemed that the protesters would simply be evicted, if they failed to move on within 48 hours. Home Secretary Theresa May was adamant that the protesters were on their way out. Things have changed somewhat in the last few hours.
Early today, November 1, 2011, it seemed that the protesters would simply be evicted, if they failed to move on within 48 hours. Home Secretary Theresa May was adamant that the protesters were on their way out. Things have changed somewhat in the last few hours.
The Cathedral has separated from the Corporation of London which was organising the eviction. One possible outcome of an eviction now could be that the protesters were moved from their current camp site to land that is owned by the Cathedral. This would leave the authorities powerless.
Now it appears that out of sight of prying eyes St Paul's has been formulating a plan. This move away from the Corporation of London will enable Giles Fraser, who had resigned from the Cathedral, to come back into the fold.
The full statement issued by St Paul's read:
"The Chapter of St Paul's Cathedral has unanimously agreed to suspend its current legal action against the protest camp outside the church, following meetings with Dr Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, late last night and early this morning.
The resignation of the Dean, the Rt Rev Graeme Knowles, has given the opportunity to reassess the situation, involving fresh input from the bishop. Members of Chapter this morning have met with representatives from the protest camp to demonstrate that St Paul's intends to engage directly and constructively with both the protesters and the moral and ethical issues they wish to address, without the threat of forcible eviction hanging over both the camp and the church.
It is being widely reported that the Corporation of London plans to ask protesters to leave imminently. The Chapter of course recognises the Corporation's right to take such action on Corporation land.
The bishop has invited investment banker Ken Costa formerly chair of UBS Europe and chairman of Lazard International, to spearhead an initiative reconnecting the financial with the ethical. Mr Costa will be supported by a number of City, Church and public figures, including Giles Fraser, who although no longer a member of Chapter, will help ensure that the diverse voices of the protest are involved in this.
The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, added: "The alarm bells are ringing all over the world. St Paul's has now heard that call. Today's decision means that the doors are most emphatically open to engage with matters concerning not only those encamped around the cathedral but millions of others in this country and around the globe. I am delighted that Ken Costa has agreed to spearhead this new initiative which has the opportunity to make a profound difference."
Well what a turnaround and Kudos to St Paul's. For many who find faith a hard thing to have it goes somewhere to restoring the Church's modern credibility. Most people have always believed that should Christ appear on earth again he would be treat much as he was in the past. Whilst there is no inference intended that such a figure is currently walking this planet, hopefully the example will make sense to you.
The outcome of the Occupy protests around the world may come to little but at least in London they have initiated a small change. If nothing it is a start.
Now it appears that out of sight of prying eyes St Paul's has been formulating a plan. This move away from the Corporation of London will enable Giles Fraser, who had resigned from the Cathedral, to come back into the fold.
The full statement issued by St Paul's read:
"The Chapter of St Paul's Cathedral has unanimously agreed to suspend its current legal action against the protest camp outside the church, following meetings with Dr Richard Chartres, the Bishop of London, late last night and early this morning.
The resignation of the Dean, the Rt Rev Graeme Knowles, has given the opportunity to reassess the situation, involving fresh input from the bishop. Members of Chapter this morning have met with representatives from the protest camp to demonstrate that St Paul's intends to engage directly and constructively with both the protesters and the moral and ethical issues they wish to address, without the threat of forcible eviction hanging over both the camp and the church.
It is being widely reported that the Corporation of London plans to ask protesters to leave imminently. The Chapter of course recognises the Corporation's right to take such action on Corporation land.
The bishop has invited investment banker Ken Costa formerly chair of UBS Europe and chairman of Lazard International, to spearhead an initiative reconnecting the financial with the ethical. Mr Costa will be supported by a number of City, Church and public figures, including Giles Fraser, who although no longer a member of Chapter, will help ensure that the diverse voices of the protest are involved in this.
The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, added: "The alarm bells are ringing all over the world. St Paul's has now heard that call. Today's decision means that the doors are most emphatically open to engage with matters concerning not only those encamped around the cathedral but millions of others in this country and around the globe. I am delighted that Ken Costa has agreed to spearhead this new initiative which has the opportunity to make a profound difference."
Well what a turnaround and Kudos to St Paul's. For many who find faith a hard thing to have it goes somewhere to restoring the Church's modern credibility. Most people have always believed that should Christ appear on earth again he would be treat much as he was in the past. Whilst there is no inference intended that such a figure is currently walking this planet, hopefully the example will make sense to you.
The outcome of the Occupy protests around the world may come to little but at least in London they have initiated a small change. If nothing it is a start.
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