The Associated Press covers the most recent activities of the Occupy movement at St. Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Several supporters of the anti-corporate Occupy movement chained themselves to the pulpit of St. Paul’s Cathedral during a service on Sunday in an action marking the anniversary of its now-dismantled protest camp outside the London landmark.
The Dean of St. Paul’s, David Ison, said he was taking an evening prayer service when “four young women dressed in white” chained themselves to the structure.
“It will be a long cold night if they want to stay there,” he said.
Photos posted by the group on the Internet showed the women around the pulpit with a sign urging “throw the money changers out of the temple.”
Here is St. Paul’s statement:
The service of evensong at St Paul’s Cathedral on 14 October was planned to incorporate prayers by Occupy Faith and a sermon which spoke clearly of the need for partnership between Occupy, St Paul’s and others in addressing the need for financial and political change which Occupy highlighted.
During the service a group of four women chained themselves to the pulpit and shouted out a list of grievances against St Paul’s as well as reading part of the bible. The Dean of St Paul’s, The Very Reverend Dr David Ison, who was about to preach, allowed them to speak, following which the rest of the service continued without interruption.
Afterwards the Dean said: “After working constructively together with Occupy Faith on this act of worship, we regret the abuse of the Cathedral’s hospitality and its daily worship. We also disagree with the way in which some protesters are continuing to pursue the agenda of conflict with St Paul’s, rather than consulting with us about how together we might better achieve the reforms which many people including Occupy are looking for.”
Here is some of Occupy London’s statement:
One year ago tomorrow, Occupy arrived on your doorstep and pitched our tents in the tradition of St Paul.
We offered you an opportunity to live out our shared truth: Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they shall be shown mercy.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the children of God.
In the fight for economic justice Jesus threw the money changers out of the temple, but you invited them in
And instead evicted us.
Your collusion with the City of London Corporation led to our violent eviction on your doorstep.
You testified against us which acted to uphold injustice and inequality that is growing by the day.
St Paul’s Cathedral you must stand up and be counted at this great trial of history.