It was such a joy just a week ago to see Rev Dr Giles Fraser, Canon Chancellor, telling the media that the cathedral welcomed the peaceful protesters camped outside. Sadly, now we have the Dean, Giles' boss, telling the media that it is necessary to close the cathedral on "health, safety and fine" grounds. I have a dislike of the question "what would Jesus have said?" but on this occasion I cannot believe he would have argued for the closure of the Temple in Jerusalem on similar grounds. My reading of the Greek Christian Scriptures would have him taking a much firmer stand with the bankers, capitalists and money changers driving them out with whips.
I hope the canons of St Paul's (especially Giles Fraser and the newly appointed Mark Vernon), who do not agree with the Dean's views, resign. The cynic might assume that other forces are at work putting pressure on the Dean and Chapter.
Last time I went into St Paul's the entrance fee was, I think, £11 except for those attending services. Westminster Cathedral and Notre Dame de Paris are free to enter.
We were in London and walked past the camp outside St Paul's. They seem to be very orderly, with a first aid tent and a multi-faith tent set up. The police seem to have cordoned off Paternoster Square and it must be the businesses there that are suffering. The others nearby seemed to be doing business as usual and taking advantage of the extra visitors to the area. I can't see why St Paul's has to be closed, it seems irrelevant as to whether the camp is there or not, it isn't blocking the steps up to the door and surely it's not beyond the wit of the stewards to only let into the building whatever limits fire regs allow. Camping at St Paul's does seem to let the city off the hook a bit though. If they could find a spot further up Cheapside towards Bank station it might be less high profile but might get in the way of the city machine a bit more?
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