Image Source: Sky News
BY EMOKE BEBIAK
ANCHOR CHRISTINA HARTMAN
The canon chancellor of London’s St. Paul Cathedral resigns after the church decided to take legal action against Occupy London protesters camped in front of the cathedral.
“I resigned because I believe the chapter was set on a course of action that could ultimately lead to violence ... I think it’s about the church using violence in order to protect itself and that’s something that I believe that they shouldn’t do.”
Rev. Giles Fraser has been supportive of the protesters ever since they started camping outside of the cathedral, which is across the street from the London Stock Exchange. Britain’s Channel 4 News explains while the Rev. Fraser welcomed the protesters, the church eventually decided to shut down the cathedral due to their presence...
“When the protest first started 12 days ago, Canon Fraser gave a Sunday sermon welcoming the protestors. However the Cathedral was then forced to close over health and safety concerns, and divisions are thought to have emerged among the clergy.”
Closing the church was a controversial move. The New York Times reports, the church was losing money because of the protesters - which lead to threats against them.
“The authorities had considered taking legal action to remove the camp. With its doors shut to tourists, St. Paul’s is losing up to $32,000 a day in revenue, according to church officials.”
According to CNBC, Occupy London protesters issued a statement praising the reverend saying...
"We are deeply moved to hear that Giles Fraser has resigned. He is man of great personal integrity and our thoughts are with him. From the moment, Occupy London arrived at St. Paul’s Churchyard he respected our right to protest and defended it.”
The cathedral is expected to reopen for the 12:30 pm Eucharist on Friday after authorities reshuffle the campers to ensure safety around the building.
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