Statement from the Chapter of St Paul's

We have always sought a peaceful resolution to the Occupy protest, and are sincerely thankful that yesterday’s removal was carried out calmly and was largely peaceful. We wish to acknowledge fully that the Occupy movement is helping to raise issues of social justice in the national and international consciousness but we have always held that a permanent camp outside St Paul’s was unsustainable. We also acknowledge that the Corporation had to carry out its statutory duties and that all parties were subject to the rule of law and judgement of the courts.

Over the past four months we have been in continuous dialogue with Occupy and have encouraged them to work with us by using alternative platforms at the Cathedral. Proposals have included a tent inside the Cathedral during Lent and working with us in planning an educational programme. We also proposed a debate under the dome with Occupy and other people involved in the issues. All of these offers have been made and discussed since late November 2011, but Occupy were unable to agree a response to them. Nevertheless St Paul’s Cathedral is fully committed to promoting issues of social and economic justice with renewed energy through our worship, teaching and the work of St Paul’s Institute.~

In the past months we have been made to re-examine our values and the role of St Paul’s. We’ll continue to do this and we look forward to welcoming a new Dean alongside us as we work together to shape our future mission.