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St Paul's Canon blasts church over 'violent treatment' of tent protesters
Tom Harper and Peter Dominiczak27 Oct 2011
A senior Church of England cleric resigned today in the latest extraordinary twist in the siege of St Paul's Cathedral.
Canon Chancellor Giles Fraser quit in protest at the cathedral's plan to clear the anti-capitalist protesters encamped in a tent city on its doorstep for the last 12 days.
Announcing his departure after it had backed moves to evict them, Dr Fraser wrote: "I resigned because I believe that the Chapter has set on a course of action that could mean there will be violence in the name of the Church."
On a day of high drama:
Boris Johnson called for new laws to prevent tent cities "erupting like boils" across London in the wake of the St Paul's protest, telling the activists: "In the name of God and Mammon, go."
The Bishop of London said he will meet the protesters on Sunday to invite them to a debate inside the cathedral if they agree to leave the camp.
Lawyers representing the Occupy London movement vowed that they will fight every attempt to eject them from their churchyard base.
Speaking exclusively to the Standard, Dr Fraser, 47, said he was forced to quit when the cathedral backed moves to clear the demonstrators.
"The Church should not put its name to any course of action that may lead to violence against the protesters. I can't in conscience go down the road on which they are embarked."
At least 200 protesters are in tents outside the 300-year-old cathedral which was forced to close last Friday for the first time since the 1940 Blitz.
In his first interview since leaving office, Dr Fraser said: "I care deeply for my colleagues at St Paul's and our discussions in the last few days have been incredibly thoughtful."
Police, senior City of London Corporation officials and leading clerics from St Paul's have been locked in talks for days in a bid to find a way
to end the encampment that has "squeezed the life" out of the city.
It is understood the cathedral will join the corporation in seeking a High Court injunction allowing police officers to remove the protesters.
In an appeal to the activists today, the Mayor said: "In the name of God and Mammon, go. For the good of the economy and the wellbeing of the Church. London needs new by-laws, proper ground rules to stop people being able to camp anywhere without being moved on."
He also hinted that City of London Police may remove empty tents from the site as they are considered to be "abandoned property".
A City of London Police spokesman said he "could not comment on what our tactics are".
The Mayor added: "We are in discussion with the authorities to stop these encampments erupting like boils across the city. It is very important for London."
It is understood Dr Fraser is not alone in his view among senior colleagues at St Paul's that enforced removal of demonstrators would be a disaster for the Church.
Dr Fraser quit as the Dean of St Paul's admitted the crisis engulfing the cathedral was "its most difficult times since the Second World War".
Graeme Knowles said: "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.
"We are obviously disappointed he is not able to continue his work with the Chapter during these challenging days. We will miss his humour and humanity and wish Giles and his family every good wish into the future."
Dr Fraser, who has lectured in philosophy at Oxford University said: "Like many people, I am not entirely sure what this protest camp is for.
"My own view is not that capitalism is an inherently bad thing. It has created jobs and prosperity but it is clear prosperity has not been fairly distributed in our society."
The Chelsea fan and former Vicar of Putney rejected allegations that he helped protesters by sanctioning their right to camp outside the cathedral last weekend.
He said he has no plans to leave the Church of England.
Reader views (62)
Has it got that desperate that St Paul's are now trying to destroy the church itself by blasting a cannon at it?! Also why are they using such achane technology, surely a surface to air missile would be much more effective.
- Jimmy, London, 28/10/2011 03:24
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Fraser is more than welcome to leave, and he should shut the door behind him. I have various words to describe him but they are unprintable.
- Michael Cawood, Wrexham, Wales, UK, 27/10/2011 20:46
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Hmmmm isn't the CofE top job coming available soon. He wouldn't be clearing his calendar for a run at the job, would he?
- Rogan, Irving, 27/10/2011 20:40
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This really is history repeating itsself. Let's look at the history of protest in the City of London. From the peasants revolt led by Watt Tyler, the risings that led to the English Civil Wars, the 'stop the city' demos of late, all have a common thread: namely, the masses have had enough of being preached to and told what to do by people who who have no idea what it's like to live in the real world. Even when these campers have eventually packed up and gone on to their next 'cause', it shall not be long before the City sees its next demonstration. Putting aside the rights and wrongs of this protest (and we all know there are many), can we be grateful that it is a peaceful protest?
- Gatedweller, The People's Republic of Newham, 27/10/2011 20:39
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Why not camp on a football ground. Footballers earn far more, up to ten million a year, than ordinary workers in the city. Alternatively camp outside the BBC or commercial television, all vastly overpaid.
- Alan ., England., 27/10/2011 20:28
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If these protestors are protesting against bankers, why not camp outside a bank? Why St. Paul's?
- Cameron Platell, London, UK, 27/10/2011 16:35
Going by the comments re St Pauls loosing money perhaps its because they are more profitable than the banks at present!!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 27/10/2011 19:45
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Have they photoshopped his head onto a Faberge egg?
- Devil's Advocado, London, 27/10/2011 18:42
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Just ask this simple question(whether you believe in Christianity or not) What would Jesus do? There's no doubt he's be with the protesters...St Paul's this is a PR disaster and if that doesn't worry you the day of judgement should.
- PSH, London, 27/10/2011 18:06
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Sorry they don't seem to have rung enough bells with the General Public.If the Euro rescue plan goes 'Pear Shaped'maybe more people will sit up & 'sit in'.Bonuses anyone?
- brave01, Haywards Heath,UK, 27/10/2011 17:49
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@Kc, Kyrenia Cyprus, 27/10/2011 17:21
I read about one of the protestors who had inexplicably managed to arrange unpaid leave until after Christmas from his job.
What normal person can afford to take 3 months off work unpaid?
And what kind of business would allow an employee such a luxury?
Suggests to me that these protestors aren't living in the real world.
They're either wealthy enough themselves and are ridden with middle class guilt. Or they're not working or not in proper jobs.
The real 99% are not camping out at St Paul's.
- Ben, London, 27/10/2011 17:44
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I don't usually think of the 'tory party at prayer'as being very principled, probably because they're not - but this chap is clearly an exception and to be admired.
And for any idiots like 'Disko' who think it is capitalism that has provided us with our relative wealth, it has been a mixed economy model up until Thatcher that created our place in the world and unfettered capitalism since deregulation and family silver sell offs 25 years ago that has brought us to this ridiculous and unnecessarily negative position. Let's pretend we are emerging from a world war and regulate properly to support sustained investment to produce more goods and services for our consumption, which is the definition of us being better off. Simples!
- barry1858, Welwyn, 27/10/2011 17:41
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The people in the tents all must be on the dole or out of work,otherwise they wouldn't be there.
And Mr preacher don't think anyone will miss you.
- Kc, Kyrenia Cyprus, 27/10/2011 17:21
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The general level of intelligence in this country is worryingly low, If it wasnt for capitalism there parents wouldnt of been able to afford the 3 years they sat round learning nothing at university. Round them all up with the dale farm brigade! idiots
- Disko, London, 27/10/2011 14:32
I think when commenting on the level of intelligence Disko old chap you need to look at your own grammar and spelling first.
- Mr. Sardonicus, Surrey, 27/10/2011 17:03
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Now there's surprise, Boris Johnson using this as an excuse to prevent tent cities appearing anywhere else in or around the City that might continue to highlight the fraud and dodgy dealing by his big money school friends from Eton and Oxford, plus way too many more.
- Concerned Observer, Harrow, 27/10/2011 17:00
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BJ: "Their [oil execs and bankers] greed keeps energy prices high." Sure it's not China? And while we are on greed as fundamental behind commodity price - what exactly happened to greed in 1986? 1999? 2002? Must have been sudden surges in public-spiritedness that sharply reversed oil prices. 
- Legal Immigrant, City of London, 27/10/2011 16:37
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If these protestors are protesting against bankers, why not camp outside a bank? Why St. Paul's?
- Cameron Platell, London, UK, 27/10/2011 16:35
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"British public seem to be brainwashed by years of goverment dictatorship. So carry on ,take away the possibility of peacefull demonstrations and leave only the option of violent responses." ian, london, 27/10/2011 15:51
Oh give over. Peaceful demonstrations are fine.
Squatting wherever you feel like, causing disruption to the lives of others is not.
Or would you like me to rock up to your front garden demonstrating against the bankers and claim that I have a right to take up residence there?
Methinks all those defending this encampment would be singing a different tune if it was the EDL or the BNP (who I abhor, by the way, before somebody tries to suggest otherwise), or any other group they disapprove of camping outside St Paul's.
This is not a matter of the right to protest, it is a matter of the right to exploit the right to protest!
These people are, purely and simply, taking the mickey, for their own enjoyment, because they know they can always hide behind the right to protest.
What they're really doing is making a mockery of the right to protest and accelerating the onset of more Draconian laws against such activities.
If they had any humility or awareness they'd realise when the game was up and leave peacefully, then come back for another protest next month, then the month after, then the month after and so on.
What they shouldn't be doing is camping out there to the detriment of everybody else. That crosses the line from protest to illegality.
- Kel Martin, Hackney, 27/10/2011 16:31
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Ok bye.
- Mike, London, 27/10/2011 16:23
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What a mess. These dropouts are wiling away the last morsels of autumn to protest, whilst 90% of them pop home to the counties to their warm beds. Saddo's everyone of them. Is it possible to book a week at the site. The kids would love it..... Meanwhile it appears the CofE has morals, low ones but they are in there somewhere. Too bad he resigned, I understood you can only change things from within. Bulldozers at the ready, gentlemen....start your engines, let's rid ourselves of this rubbish.
- Thinker, Herts, 27/10/2011 16:22
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To Ian and others who support this protest as a “peaceful protest”. It is not.
Occupying a piece of land that does not have a fence and guard dogs does not constitute “peaceful protest”. It is by legal definition “a nuisance”.
There are more effective ways of protesting that might even attract enough public support to change things.
A good start would be to tell those of us who oppose squatting in a public place exactly what they are protesting and what is their agenda.
So far the protesters and their supporters have done no more than whinge that some people have money and that they do not. It is directed solely at bankers. Oil company executives are wealthier than bankers and have more power. Their greed keeps energy prices high.
- BJ, East London, 27/10/2011 16:21
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This problem is solvable - as is the problem at Parliament Square, and the illegal gypsy camps. The government needs to make squatting on land a criminal offence, it would be fairly straightforward to draft this - perhaps a 24 hour rule to prove that it was squatting, a requirement to request they leave, and if they fail to do so the legal backing and duty for the police to remove them including use of force and seizure of vehicles/tents/structures etc. This needs doing, it's a scandal that people can set up camps in the middle of cities and on land that does not belong to them, and inconvenience the law abiding public.
- H Morgan, London, 27/10/2011 16:19
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ian: "Dictatorship helps Britain to function". Words are indeed cheap for those who have no first hand experience of living under true dictatorship or at least a mildly authoritatian regime. Hence their biggest totalitarian nightmare is finding oneself short of toilet slip when nature calls
- Legal Immigrant, City of London, 27/10/2011 16:06
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Of course this man is Left wing,ALL in the Church SHOULD BE, our Lord gave to the poor from the rich,the rich are RIGHT WING and dont give to the poor,in fact they couldn't care less about anyone other than themselves,just read some of their views on this page.
- Jason (aged 13), London, 27/10/2011 16:01
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Bleeding Heart Liberal: "The church really needs to step back from this and look at what it is doing". Absolutely hilarious suggestion. Won't they have to go back 2000+ years?
- Legal Immigrant, City of London, 27/10/2011 15:59
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British public seem to be brainwashed by years of goverment dictatorship. So carry on ,take away the possibility of peacefull demonstrations and leave only the option of violent responses.Just like Dictator Gadaffi did with his people.Dictatorship helps Britain to function,best keep it this way and remove all civil rights.Next you will need a slip to use the toilet and heaven help those her dont have one.
- ian, london, 27/10/2011 15:51
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To say that this man is left wing is stating the obvious,you cannot believe in Christianity if your not left wing,that would be total hypocrisy,
- bazza, London, 27/10/2011 15:43
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Have you noticed the tents all apear to be expensive brand new, state of the art rigs? I wonder how many rich dads are supporting this mob?
- Blowtorch, Surbiton, 27/10/2011 15:20
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Serial protesters with nothing better to do than jump on every bandwagon passing.
- Hades93, London, 27/10/2011 14:20
Exactly.
They don't really care about ordinary people.
They just want to stick two fingers up to the establishment and the rest of society.
On any other day they'd be deriding the 99% rather than sticking up for them.
They're not there out of genuine principle, they're there because it's another chance to justify their lifestyles/ideology and a chance to prove their non-conformist credentials.
- Callum, London, 27/10/2011 15:16
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I hope people understand irony...
- Hello, London, 27/10/2011 15:11
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The interesting point here is how much St Paul's appears to be in the pocket of the Corporation of London, a worshipper of "Mammon" to use Boris' word. The church really needs to step back from this and look at what it is doing. They would do well to remember who Jesus Christ came on earth to save.
- Bleeding Heart Liberal, London, 27/10/2011 15:05
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The C of E are still around? I thought people stopped listening to this lot years ago..
- Mr Crowley, Pimlico, London, UK, 27/10/2011 14:54
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So why does Boris need to use the name of Mammon? Mammon is money and material wealth, so now we know where Boris's heart lies. He is on the side of the bankers.
I think the protestors should take the hint and move on, otherwise within a few days we might see violence and the authorities using a heavy hand to remove the protestors. They will only put up with it for so long. Regardless of who is right or wrong, the protestors are in danger if they stay there too long.
- David K, London, UK, 27/10/2011 14:42
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Do these protestors struggle to understand that if this wasnt a capitalist country they wouldnt have the right to protest? The general level of intelligence in this country is worryingly low, If it wasnt for capitalism there parents wouldnt of been able to afford the 3 years they sat round learning nothing at university. Round them all up with the dale farm brigade! idiots
- Disko, London, 27/10/2011 14:32
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Considering 9 out of 10 tents are empty at night because the protesters like a bit of comfort rather than making a stand in all weathers. Their cause is obviously not that important to them. The Chancellor should not resign over half witted morons who were probably at Dale Farm til last week. Serial protesters with nothing better to do than jump on every bandwagon passing.
- Hades93, London, 27/10/2011 14:20
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So they are quick to try and change laws move on city tent protestors who are attracting embarassing worldwide media attention but lord help you (you can get stuffed) if some Romanian breaks into your own home and decides that they want to live there.
How about doing something about squatters who are a GENUINE problem to Londoners.
- Uncle Paulie, London UK, 27/10/2011 14:15
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The protestors are peaceful and I fear indirect violence may be used very soon by the authorities. CCTV camera have gone up all over the place.
Now is the time for the City to offer a different location and the protestors to peacefully leave. The Right Rev Bishop of London Mr Richard Charters has the Canon's blood on his soul.
The Archbishop Dr Rowan Williams (wise and good man) needs to call for real Financial Service Regulation, moderation on bonus greed and Chritain values towards the poor. The City (who mostly funds the Tory party) hates the protestors as they are doing what Dr Williams should be doing in public.
- Andrew, London, 27/10/2011 14:05
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I really love his modest humble attire. Is he going to take it along when he leaves? So glitzy... Humm!
It really stands for the principles he seems to be embracing now.
- Hello, London, 27/10/2011 14:01
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Why are they called 'anti-capitalist' when quite clearly they are 'communist' protestors?
I think it is time people started calling the protestors their real name.
- James, England, 27/10/2011 14:00
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Supporters of the protest and this clergyman, just stand back a bit and think.
This protest is supposed to be “Occupy the Stock Exchange”. Well we all knew that wouldn’t happen. The clergy, however well meaning, did not discourage the protesters from camping outside the cathedral. The majority of Londoners and visitors to London do not share the views of the sympathetic clergy let alone the protesters.
St Paul’s is more important than just a church or just a tourist attraction. In December 1940 at the height of the blitz Winston Churchill sent word that St Paul's Cathedral should be protected at all costs - it would boost morale to save Christopher Wren's masterpiece.
- BJ, East London, 27/10/2011 13:54
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I thought all this was supposed to be about stopping the City and tackling the banks? First they do it on a saturday when everything's closed, and then they get into a legal row with...the local vicar. So the only ones who benefit will be the lawyers whilst the bankers will continue to play roulette and make their million-pound bonuses over the road. These protestors really are as rubbish as the capitalists.
- Jane, Islington, 27/10/2011 13:52
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Regardless of the issue, I thought the Canon Chancellor gave excellent performances as Shrek.
- Paul, London, 27/10/2011 13:50
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Can it be true - "Shrek" has resigned from his job at St Paul's!!!
- Malcolm, London, 27/10/2011 13:44
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Now the cleric has joined in, too. Give him a broom to clean up the mess when the holiday camp is over. Is this cleric going to give up his post with the wealthy side of the Church and join the Trappists or the Franciscans? Perhaps he will. I hope he goes to a poverty stricken area of the world and helps the really needy.
These strange people he is concerned about at the moment may have 1001 reasons to disagree with the financial institutions but... they have no right to deface the beauty of the area where one of the greatest architects in the world, Christopher Wren, erected this monument which represents, to my mind, the best of British criativity and architecture.
Darling cleric, pack your little bag and go now.
Shooh!!!
- Michaella, London, 27/10/2011 13:28
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The occupation is not a 'seige' and it is certainly
not 'squeezing the life' out of anything. This is complete rubbish and, Evening Standard, you know very well that it is! It is clear that the 'smear' is on and the likes of the Standard and Mail will lead the pack to soften up public opinion in advance of a very very nasty police removal operation.
God bless Giles Fraser, God help the protestors and may God forgive St Paul's, the Dean & Chapter.
- Jules, Islington, 27/10/2011 13:27
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The resignation of this man is a major non-event just like the CofE in fact.
Few Britons care much for religion and given that most of us are more concerned with keeping their job or getting one and keeping a roof over their head the fate of a deluded cleric is of no consequence.
- doug, Manchester, 27/10/2011 13:17
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Violence in the name of the Church? That's never happened before.
- Tin Foil Hat, London UK, 27/10/2011 13:16
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Having shooed away the police, and found time to give a TV interview about it, Giles Fraser then supported the request for the campers to leave. His latest principled stance, and resignation, appears to be based on what he calls the threat of “violence”, presumably from the police. Just as it is possible to protest non-violently, so it is perfectly possible to remove people sitting-in without violence, unless the campers choose to go down the Dale Farm route. Rev Fraser will presumably now pursue a full-time media career at The Guardian or elsewhere. Perhaps he will still find time to lecture at the MOD Defence Academy at Shrivenham, where he would appear to have no scruples about the use of violence...
- Acaster M, Clerkenwell, London, UK, 27/10/2011 12:55
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This fool is a beneficiary of capitalism, as is the C of E & all other organisations that have investments.
The layabouts should be hosed down & our beautiful cathedral return to its intended use.
Trendy lefties make me puke.
- The Convenient Truth, Reading, England, 27/10/2011 12:54
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'the encampment that has "squeezed the life" out of the city'
This quote is just floating there, who said it? Because they are clearly hysterical and need a hefty slap.
It's just a church, and the protest didn't close it, the closure was clearly politically motivated, Boris does not deserve a say in this. A city mayor does not wait this long to comment.
- I know why, Hackney, London, 27/10/2011 12:51
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Having shooed away the police, and found time to give a TV interview about it, Giles Fraser then supported the request for the campers to leave. His latest principled stance, and resignation, appears to be based on what he calls the threat of “violence”, presumably from the police. Just as it is possible to protest non-violently, so it is perfectly possible to remove people sitting-in without violence, unless the campers choose to go down the Dale Farm route. Rev Fraser will presumably now pursue a full-time media career at The Guardian or elsewhere. Perhaps he will still find time to lecture at the MOD Defence Academy at Shrivenham, where he would appear to have no scruples about the use of violence...
- Acaster M, Clerkenwell, London, UK, 27/10/2011 12:50
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Okay, who's got a sense for over-dramatic tongue in cheek then? Canon blasts church indeed.
- Bob, Cheam, 27/10/2011 12:43
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@ Melvyn
Errr.... no it doesn't.
- Bob, London UK, 27/10/2011 12:32
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“In all your dealings with one another, speak the truth in love, that you may grow up.”
― Saint Paul.....'s letter to the Campers
- Mr. Sardonicus, Surrey, 27/10/2011 12:29
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In the name of God and Mammon, Boris, GO yourself!
- Baron von Richtofen, Biggin Hill, 27/10/2011 12:25
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This surely demonstrates this lock down is more to do with politics than anything else. Its time we knew who else is involved in this decision and any links they have to the Conservative Party!!
With all this talk of St Pauls loosing thousands of pounds a day it seems the money lendors have regained control and we need a 2nd coming to throw them out or in Kens case a 3rd coming!!
- Melvyn Windebank, Canvey Island, Essex, 27/10/2011 12:03
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If St.Paul’s was closed because of the personal political views of one of its employees that is a serious allegation.
What of the loss of earnings and the people who lost money visiting the Cathedral just to be turned away?
No one has the right to impose their political views on others unless they are prepared to face the legal and financial consequences.
- James J, London, 27/10/2011 11:53
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This isn't "conscience" at all, he's just another left wing C of E cleric who has put his politics before his faith, his church and his parishioners. He is a perfect example of why the C of E has made itself irrelevant and ridiculous by indulging in mindless lefty politics.
- Matt, London, UK, 27/10/2011 11:36
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So should there be a union for clergymen now/
- Virginia, london, 27/10/2011 11:24
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With hair that short I am glad he has taken the opportunity to go before being expelled
- Jack Spratt, Richmond, Surrey, 27/10/2011 10:59
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Canon Dr Giles Fraser has renewed my faith,well done sir,if only there were more like you in the city,and westminster.
- Matilda Maitland, St Johns Wood, 27/10/2011 10:46
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Such a pleasant change to see someone in "The City" with a conscience,and integrity,stand by for the Bankers to follow his example.
- Rupert Morkinthin, London, 27/10/2011 10:42
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A case of conscience,in the garden of reason?
- scony, middlesbrough, 27/10/2011 10:11
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