Christian solidarity with #OccupyLondon
October 24, 2011 Category: Uncategorized 107 Comments 
The Occupy London faith outreach working group have recieved a message of support from Christian groups.
If you or your group wish to give support, please email christianoutreach@hotmail.co.uk
or leave your details below.
Christian solidarity with the ‘Occupy London’ movement
As Christians, we stand alongside people of all religions and none who are resisting economic injustice with active nonviolence. We offer our greetings to people engaged in occupations of financial centres throughout the world.
We seek to witness to the love and justice of God, proclaimed by Jesus Christ. Jesus said that he had come to “set free the oppressed”. His gospel is good news for all people. It is a challenge to all structures, systems, practices and attitudes that lead people to exploit and oppress their fellow human beings.
The global economic system divides people one from another and separates humanity from creation. It perpetuates the wealth of the few at the expense of the many. It fuels violence and environmental destruction. It is based on idolatrous subservience to markets. We cannot worship both God and money.
We are inspired by Jesus, who protested against exploitative traders and moneychangers in the Jerusalem Temple. Christianity began as a grassroots protest movement. Nonviolent direct action can play an important and ethical role in resisting injustice and achieving change.
We stand in solidarity with the ‘Occupy London’ movement and regret that they have not been able to make their protest closer to the London Stock Exchange. We applaud their commitment to co-operating with St Paul’s Cathedral and to ensuring that their camp is safe for everyone in the vicinity. We were pleased by the cathedral’s initial welcome to the camp and hope that difficulties between the occupiers and the cathedral can be speedily resolved, keeping the focus on the need to challenge the financial injustices perpetuated by the City of London.
Signed by:
Ekklesia
Fellowship of Reconciliation (Europe)
London Catholic Workers
Society of Sacramental Socialists
Speak network
Third Way
“…demonstrate that this movement is truly [aligned] with Christian values and that our mission as Occupy London is fully in line with the mission of Christians around the world. ”
I’m sorry, but this is a multi-faith or non-faith occupation. Even the meditation tent with solar panels on site says that and now you’re saying it is “fully in line with the mission of Christians around the world”? Being a non-Christian, I’m very offended, especially with all the support and time I’ve given to the occupation. I’ve encountered plenty of Christians whose mission have been to convert people- from travelling to different countries, going to people’s homes or, such as my experience, to the point of harassing a person everyday with cruel threats and trying to use “hell” as a scare tactic.
I believe an appropriate introduction would be something along the lines of: “The Occupy London Faith Outreach Group has been in talks with different faiths and Christianity Uncut have sent a letter of Solidarity.” Followed with information of who to contact.
Please don’t get me wrong- I’m happy there is support from a Christian group (who, within their own introduction, recognised there are multiple faiths and none) because the more support the better, I mean, the campsite is on St. Paul’s land and it’s very gracious of them. But, unless you make clear what “Christian values” and, specifically, “mission of Christians around the world” Occupy London is supposedly aligned with- you may lose supporters.
“As Christians, we stand alongside people of all religions and none who are resisting economic injustice with active nonviolence.”
Did you miss this bit? Just because they state that the goals and vision of the movement broadly correlate with the some of the tenets of real Christianity doesnt mean theyve stealth-baptized you when you wernt looking or something.
So chill out, save the indignation and brush up on your reading comprehension. This is nothing but a good thing.
“Waves hands”
Solidarity: “union or fellowship arising from *common* responsibilities and interests”
However this does raise an interesting problem for the occupation. When we receive letters of support from: UKIP; the BNP and EDL!
Parable of the Lost Sheep etc
everyone of the 99% has the right to occupy london and the world no matter what the beliefs ect..they could believe in star trek for all i care.as long as they are supporting the 99% and want a better world to exsist.peace
My issue has nothing to do with solidarity from a Christian organisation nor with their statement.
Rather, my issue is with the statement from Occupy London because I feel that stating: “this movement is truly [aligned] with Christian values and that our mission as Occupy London is fully in line with the mission of Christians around the world.” Puts up a barrier for other religions and spiritual groups to come forth or cause those of no religion to feel alienated from the movement.
Also, before you use petty insults on a person’s supposed lack of reading comprehension make sure you have read the whole statement. For the bit you quoted to me was my resource for applauding the Christianity Solidarity statement when I said, “I’m happy there is support from a Christian group (who, within their own introduction, recognised there are multiple faiths and none) because the more support the better…”
i am a catholic my girlfriend is an atheist we are still travelling to
london on saturday to support the 99% .
“fully in line with the mission of Christians around the world”
Doesn’t necessarily mean Occupy LSX’s mission is ‘in line with’ in the sense of subordinate to, but could just be a slightly clumsy way of saying ‘compatible with the spirit of…’.
I would have worded it quite differently too, but I agree with the overall intention of it enough to want to ask my Quaker meeting to co-sign it.
The obvious historical precedent and comparison is the movement for the abolition of slavery. Now we have debt-slavery, which for a long time was mainly ‘the West’ exploiting the majority of people in developing countries and now it’s come home to affect most people here too and more people are waking up to the nature/ design of the current monetary system, and realising it’s essentially immoral, unjust and, literally, unsustainable.
Good luck all!
I am in full support of the ‘Occupy London’ movement. Don’t surrender.
http://blogs.channel4.com/snowblog/st-pauls-protesters-part-time/16448
In his Sermon on the Mount Jesus taught that those who show mercy will in turn be shown mercy. He taught that forgiveness of those who hurt and exploit us is the way to go. Conversely, he taught that those who judge will in return be judged with the same measure that they have used.
He also taught that as we seek FIRST the Kingdom of God (his ways) we have all of our earthly needs met too. He showed that we don’t need to fight our own battles to get justice, we get it through trusting in HIM. He taught us to trust in HIS strength and wisdom and to not rely upon our own. HIS ways are not our ways. HIS thoughts are not our thoughts. HIS ways are higher than our ways. He taught GODLY wisdom as opposed to man’s. He taught us the way to go if we want HIS blessing.
Jesus did and taught nothing about how to deal with the injustice of the Roman rule of his day. What he DID teach was to pray to the Father for HIS kingdom to come on earth and for HIS will to be done. He taught his followers to TRUST in HIS power to bring justice to the world.
What Jesus did in the temple in turning over the tables of the money-changers was a judgement upon the religious institution. It was specifically in relation to the hypocrisy of the ungodly religious activities in the place that was claiming to the rest of the world to be godly.
As far as I can see, it was not a judgement upon the rest of the world.
With the greatest of respect I think your comments are very weak and need a much deeper historical analysis. Jesus challenged the Power of Rome in so many ways I just don’t know where to start. Just one example: At the time he was riding into Jerusalem on a donkey, Pilot and the full procession of Rome was riding into the same city through another gate. This was a direct challenge and reconfiguration of the world order – a world that would be turned upside down. The New Testament is littered with examples which when placed in the cultural-historical context show that Jesus was extremely subversive and a real challenge to the religious and political order of his day. Something which is really relevant to the situation faced at St Pauls. And something the I hope the Bishop of London etc. reflect upon in their decision making in the days ahead.
Jesus’ mission was about how to enter the Kingdom of Heaven now. It is firstly an inner reality from which the outer is then affected. If it doesn’t come inwardly first then you just end up fighting flesh with flesh and it is doomed to the same fate as the rest of the worldly ways.
The words that Jesus spoke about him who is without sin casting the first stone come to mind in relation to the oppression we are seeing in the world ~ the things we see are just extreme examples given to highlight the problem of mankind ~ we are all implicated ~ no-one is exempt. It is arrogance, lack of self-honesty and self-righteousness that makes us think we are any better than those in the spotlight.
The only solution to the world’s problems that will work is to bring the Kingdom of Heaven on earth now.
Also: “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit, said, “I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children. Yes, Father, for this is what you were pleased to do.” Its only those who have ears to hear (humility) who will receive the wisom of the God ~ the rest will carry on in their ignorance.
Mandy, An interesting comment, thanks. However we do need to understand that while Jesus in the Sermon on the mount is talking first about spiritual realities, he does not exclude it’s application to practical realities. Jesus tells the disciples that the Kingdom is among or within them. He tells the rich young ruler that he is “near the kingdom”. So while the ultimate expression of the Kingdom may have to wait until the end of time. The reality of the Kingdom is expressed here and now, by people who choose to put Kingdom before wealth creation, by people who choose to forgive, by people who accept persecution because they refuse to conform to values that are not of the kingdom, by those who are generous in the face of injustice, by those who willingly serve the `empire` by walking two miles instead of the required one. I could go on… but the point is that Jesus expressly does teach and deal with the injustice of Roman rule in his day.
Indeed David… Jesus was talking and teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven being accessible here and now… not a future pie in the sky phenomenon. And yes, he did indeed teach how to deal with the injustices of the Roman rule of the day… through forgiveness, mercy, blessing enemies etc. The Kingdom of Heaven is available to us now! Looking at the deep cry I see rising up within the disenfranchized throughout the world at this time… it is the longing for the Kingdom of Heaven that seems to be at the root of it.
Let me educate, dear Mandy.
When Jesus said, “When someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the left cheek” he meant something very different. Since using the left hand is forbidden in oriental society, if I were to hit you with my right hand on your right cheek–what is that?
That is a backhand.
If you turn however so that I see your LEFT cheek, now what?
Now I would just bonk you on the nose. I can’t backhand you with my right hand anymore.
Now, if I want to hit you, I have to make a fist. In other words: I can’t treat you like a slave anymore. I have to hit you like an equal! And if I do that, I somehow acknowledge that you aren’t a slave! Some conundrum.
The Roman law had a principle that they could compel peasants to carry their supplies–but only for a mile. To force a peasant to carry equipment further than that was a punishable offense. Therefore, what do you do if a peasant doesn’t drop your equipment? All the sudden, the *soldier*can get in trouble…so what does he do, start begging for his supplies?
And Jesus said, “Give him your coat AND your cloak if you get sued”. Well, if you do this, guess what, you walk out of the courtroom naked. Those who caused public nakedness were guilty of deep sin (see story of Noah). Therefore, I, once again, win through non-violence.
Jesus was a realist. He knew that armed insurrection would be crushed instantly (as indeed it was 40 years after his death).
However, he recognized injustice and encouraged those under oppression to *nonviolently highlight* the oppression.
That’s what we are doing.
King James didn’t like the (very obvious to the people at the time) meaning of these sayings, so they have been ‘edited’ to say that we should just suck it up and take the punishment and worry about the afterlife.
That’s not what Jesus did. So we won’t either.
Is this what you’re talking about Bayraba?
~ Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” ~
No, Mandy. Read it a few more times.
Bayraba, it has taken me a long time to grasp this, but it is only through child-like humility that we come to the Truth ~ not through education or knowledge. It comes through bowing down to the voice of the Holy Spirit when He speaks. It is a spiritual matter ~ not discernable by the mind of man. The strength of the mind and our understanding actually gets in the way.
As far as I can see this is a matter of self-righteousness being exposed ~ it is not just something the 1 percent are guilty of ~ but the 100 percent.
What we are seeing in the one percent is just the tip of the iceberg ~ the rest of the iceberg is the other 99 percent ~ and we are it! The heart of mankind is corrupt to the core ~ beyond cure ~ every single one of us.
All of the world’s problems stem from this.
Trying to fix it aint gonna work!
Self-righteousness thinks it can fix it but there is only one solution ~ and that’s what Jesus came to teach us. That’s what he was talking about when he spoke about losing one’s life in order to find it.
Does this mean you’ll be stoning homosexuals and adulteresses? Careful which Christian values you align yourself with
Er “let him (or her 🙂 who is without sin”? John 8:7
Or are you just an Old Testament style evangelist.
I’m an anti-theist.
It just seems a bit hypocritical that an organisation which set out against corruption should align itself with Christianity, which itself has roots in corruption. Just sayin…
“Christianity, which itself has roots in corruption” On the contrary – Jesus, the founder of Christianity stood against the corruption of the Jewish religion, and the corruption of the Roman occupation. He was arguably the first campaigner against economic injustice.
So it would be helpful if you got your facts right.
The Flying Spaghetti Monster said it was true, so it must be true!
‘He was arguably the first campaigner against economic injustice.’
Nope, that was Siddhartha Gautama (died c. 480 BC).
‘Buddha taught that an individual’s moral character, not caste, determines his or her worth. So the true brahmin – the person worthy of the greatest respect – isn’t the one wearing a special thread or born into a particular family. As he said, “He who is tolerant to the intolerant, peaceful to the violent, who is free from greed, who speaks words that are calm, helpful and true and that offend no-one – him I call a brahmin.”‘ (Buddhism for Dummies)
I am a Buddhist practitioner. But I also think that people like Hayek and Friedman had some important insights into the way people in a free society might best organise their social, political and economic activities.
On the contrary it is up to Christianity; the C of E and *in particular* the Clergy of St Paul’s to align themselves with our movement. Not the other way round. The camp as far as I can see, are merely trying to accommodate the latter. Who seem at the moment not to want to be accommodated. Indeed: “walk that extra mile.”
How do other Churches and Christian Groups sign up?
It says above:- If you or your group wish to give support, please email anna.collins1985@gmail.com or leave your details below.
There are a number of problems with this and I’m surprised that Occupy London can’t see that. Why have Christian groups in particular been given such a platform to express their solidarity – why hasn’t a multi-faith statement been supported championing shared values across religions for the occupation? I feel uncomfortable about what this means for the occupation. Has this statement been sought purely on the superficial basis that tensions exist between the occupation and St Paul’s at the moment? This is shortsighted incredibly shortsighted; to people of other religions (or none for that matter) this may give the impression of a Christian imperialism at the heart of the occupation. What does this mean for people who feel threatened by what Christian values mean to them individually? As the statement doesn’t share a platform with other religions it gives some sense of a preference for Christianity at the heart of the movement. Did faith outreach consult with individuals from other faiths before putting this statement together?
This makes me incredibly nervous about power relations within the occupation.
Darren.
IMHO the movement should not seek endorsements. Merely accept them as they come in. From whatever source.
Although perhaps there should be a small Occupation camp set up at the Central London Mosque. Naturally with permission. Indeed I am sure that the movement would be most welcome. From what I have read of the Quran the teachings are not incompatible with that of the movement.
Alas, after a quick check, there does not appear to be any camping space adjacent to the Central Synagogue 🙁
A Temple to “Saint Marx” would be ideal. Highgate anyone?
Anti-Christians should chill. The authors of the statement made it clear that they would be delighted with people of other religions and none expressing their support too. It is written clearly in the statement, as has been pointed out for those whose comprehension skills are not too great. Stop seeing Christian conspiracies where there are none, it makes some sound as paranoid as Richard Dawkins.
Speaking as a Christian I am delighted to read that the Mosque Kitchen in Edinburgh is supporting the occupation here with food. Their food is excellent.
St Paul’s started off well, welcoming the protesters, but they seem to have been nobbled by others. They should have continued as they started and they should have provided love and facilities to the protesters. Facilities like electricity, water and tea.
I am sorry if some of the anti-Christians have experienced Christian extremists. These people annoy Christians like me no end, but don’t tar all Christians with the same brush.
I’m sorry David but you shouldn’t be trying to silence people with exaggerated comparisons and suggestions of their lacking in “comprehension skills”. These questions and concerns deserve proper attention and puzzling out. This can be an incredibly decisive and sensitive topic and the occupation risks alienating supporters if it isn’t handled properly.
Er, just how am I trying to “silence people”? Can I have people’s posts deleted?
No, I’m debating, robustly. If anyone has difficulty with robust debate then Walt Disney’s empire has an outlet for you.
well said david.people need to chill and come together on this.all people.
Sorry for typo’s – should of read…. “this is incredibly shortsighted”.
As has been mentioned I feel the call should be for the support of groups from all faiths and none. As a Cantheist I have supported Occupy from the beginning and spoke to people of many different faiths who came to support the Manchester camp. I accept that you’re proving a point with St. Pauls admin but don’t alienate people of other beliefs in the process.
Well said!
Yes, well said.
Agree. There are plans in place for this also and news should be coming out soon
I just looked up ‘Cantheist’.
I’m sorry that anyone has been offended by the statement of support by Christians or by the reactions to it. As one of the drafters of the statement, I want to make clear that we want to act in solidarity with people of other religions and of none, not impose our religion on them or claim to be a more important part of the movement than they are. This point is made in the opening line of the statement.
If there is a multifaith or non-religious statement of support, I hope that all the Christian groups who sign this statement would be happy to sign it. I’d be delighted if Muslim, Jewish, Pagan, Humanist, Atheist or other groups produce their own statements of support. There is a media narrative suggesting that the protest camp is opposed to St Paul’s, or to churches, or to Christianity, and it’s good to challenge that. But, more than that, it’s good to urge Christian groups to back the protest, alongside those of other religions and of none.
A group of us are trying to get out a Jewish statement of support
I’m glad to hear a Jewish statement of support is being tried for. Hopefully it will be signed by orthodox and reformed people alike.
There are some very high levels of poverty in parts of the Jewish community in London. It is not a community exclusively composed of rich people, as vile people claim in their propaganda. This campaign is for those people as much as anybody else.
Isaiah 58:
This is the kind of fast day I’m after:
to break the chains of injustice,
get rid of exploitation in the workplace,
free the oppressed,
cancel debts.
What I’m interested in seeing you do is:
sharing your food with the hungry,
inviting the homeless poor into your homes,
putting clothes on the shivering ill-clad,
being available to your own families…
Standing with everyone in prayer.
I can definitely sign up to that. I hope St. Pauls can find an imaginative way to stand with the camp and help achieve their goals.
With all due respect to Christians, and to atheists, in my opinion the official website of Occupy London movement is not at all the place to write something like
“The Occupy London faith outreach working group have been working with a range of Christian groups to demonstrate that this movement is truly alligned with Christian values and that our mission as Occupy London is fully in line with the mission of Christians around the world. ”
Even if they come on support. Publications in this website should be born in assemblies by consensus. Since this post was not, I kindly ask that it is removed from the website. Specially when statements like “we are truly aligned with Christian values” are made.
Alberto, I would second that.
This did in fact come out of a GA – it was announced during the ‘shoutouts’ rather than one of the formal phases, but to much acclaim and no blocking gestures. If it had not met with support at the GA, it wouldn’t be on the website…
I think any attempt to enlist the help of elements in the Christian Churches who support some or all of the aims of the movement, against the reactionary machinations that seem be going on involving those in charge of the Cathedral, is a smart thing to do.
We cannot be purist about this. If a bunch of Christians, or Jews, or Muslims, or anyone else put themselves on the side of the Occupation, and speak out against what seems to be going on with the Dean, then what is wrong with welcoming that? Its a practical question – if causing us problems causes the High Church Tories problems with their flock, then good, the more the better. It should give them pause and something to worry about.
In welcoming their support, we are not saying that everyone agrees with their religious views. But actually, if this movement is to really reach out and bring out masses of people to support it, it will have to reckon with the fact that large numbers of them have religious beliefs that are important to them, and may well want to discuss religion. What’s wrong with that? Its part of the human experience and culture, so why not discuss it?
There’s nothing to fear here: get stuck in and don’t let any doctrinaire stuff get in the way of unity in action to try to head off what the ‘Tory Party at Prayer’ look to be cooking up.
Religion is the oldes form of control. END OF!
If you align with any religion u will piss of so many people, it does not matter what is said people will not look at the message but the source.
I would suggest you hold a vote on this ASAP and consider removing religious opinions from your movement.
I will be fucked if i am going to have “faith” pushed down my throat. If there were a god he is a fucking prick, no excuse for the shit state of this planet and before you say “free will” it isnt the choice of the infants born with AIDS no food water or shelter.
Oh yeah aside from oil/money, what is the main cause of war??????????????????????????????????????????????????????
To clarify, I dont look down on those of any religion i just personaly detest all religions.
Either way this movement isnt about religion even if the aims may cross paths with a few.
‘If there were a god he is a fucking prick’
I’m going to have that made into a T shirt.
Here is one for the back: He clearly doesnt care as the devil has won!
End of religious digs, i promise. Back to the facts.
He has the best tunes, after all.
I love people with open minds !
trevor what do u believe in? u cannot take away peoples beliefs.
that is up to them what they believe.i think alot of people here want peace and a future of a better world.
God is good.
The system is wrong.
Don’t hate dude, lifes too short.
Wow when did this turn into a movement about religion. This occupation has lost it’s way. And what are you campaigning for??? Yes no-one really knows and carry this on at St Paul’s and the message will be lost even further.
not a movement by religion at all.its simple we are the 99% and we intend to get the message across to the 1% that we are fed up of greed,lies,we want a better future for ALL.
Would you settle, instead, for a better future for everyone else and a miserable future for yourself?
http://blogs.channel4.com/snowblog/st-pauls-protesters-part-time/16448
maybe you should head to your tents at night and not desert for the comfort of your beds…!
sally.open your eyes to reality please.mainstream media distort facts just as the 1% do ,but the 99% knows whats true
fedei.the old system is broke…its time to fix it now for everybodys future.we are the 99%
I have no issue with fixing things that have malfunctioned. Indeed I would certainly not want to suggest that ‘the system’ (to borrow your cliché) is in a particularly healthy state. What I take issue with is the seeming desire, on the part of many, to replace it with something that looks a bit like socialism, or some kind of anarcho-collectivism (if that’s a thing). Not that I think that such an outcome is in any way likely, but rather that the level of upheaval caused in society in the attempt to bring it about would in all likelihood irremediably disrupt my life. Indeed, since I have a chronic, incurable medical condition it wouldn’t in fact take all that much disruption to make be begin to genuinely fear for my life. I mean, when I hear people making comparisons between out situation and what has recently transpired in Libya and elsewhere I feel distinctly uneasy, because I know that many fellow sufferers in those places have lost their lives (basically: their drugs ran out).
A lot of the stuff I read on this website has a decidedly utopian ring to it. When I was young(er) I was myself an ardent utopianist. Now I am not. I am deeply suspicious of the rapturous paroxysms of people who are beginning to remind me of my younger, skinnier self.
P.S: Now I follow Marx. But Groucho, not Karl.
Im sorry to hear that and im glad that the drugs work for you and that you can afford
that liberty many cannot.the worlds so called leaders are taking away more freedoms for all.they are clearly corrupt.and now we have another so called leader of the people in libya(who is he?)back to “normality”.all governments are the same in my book.we should fear the leaders the 1% people need to come together and start to help each other out as is what is happening in this movement.i am giving up alot for this movement myself because i care deeply about fairness.ps i follow my heart.pps can i be very personal ask what is your medical condition?pps we all need to be brave.best wishes
Hi
you really need to start communicating much better to the 99%. you had a spokeswoman on national radio on sat night, you have had this website up for a while now, you have been protesting for weeks now, yet its still not obvious what your agenda is.
i am on your side, and i kind of know what the main points are, but from media (radio, tv, newspapers – nodoubt there are some poloitical agendas at work here) and the public reaction it seems I am in a minority. I truly believe that time is of the essence with respect to this movement, it needs to gather momentum fast, and getting the message across is paramount (even if its tweaked at later date). when naomi had problems trying to articulate OLSX’s message on radio 5 live and pointed the listeners to the website I was expecting a home page with a few bullet points outlining the main points of why you got together – but I had to dig about, and its still not obvious. Its worse now you have a front page with a statement re Christian solidarity – a genius way of confusing and possibly deterring spotential supporters in one quick move. How misguided! Fair enough, their support is gd but it shld never be front page, you shldhave a “supporters page” – with all major groups listed there. You have further muddied your cause.
I understand you are still working on the details behind the movement, and that its pretty dynamic and covers many many issues as this is much more about debt crisis, plus I am sure many of supporters have personal agendas which can be difficult to summarise but there are some standout obvious ones which shld be used and milked as a marketing tool, with a few bullet points on your home page. Please please hurry up as I fear this is severely hampering your cause.
Also have you managed to get private funding? I hear OWS has near $1m funding so far, its these sorts of numbers which will mean that your movement will survive for the long term.
Thanks.
Second that.
From the moment St Paul s decided to close their doors there has been a danger that our demonstration would get side-tracked. I have been every day since the closure of the cathedral and it has been obvious that the entrance to the cathedral is in no way impedimented, and it is clear that there are no ‘fire’ or ‘health and safety’ issues to be addressed.
Wherever, anywhere in the UK, a group of people decide to occupy – it will not be allowed. There is no place, anywhere in the UK, that is public space, common land, an area for the people – not a common, a village green, a seashore, a wood – nothing. There is nothing and nowhere that we can call ours. Isn’t that fact an aspect of what this entire endeavour for democracy is about.
R5Live have just reported that only 10% of tents are occupied at night – based on that (if true) you dont need much space.
The media reported it so it must be true. Theyve never lied about anything. Nope.
see here for details.
http://blogs.channel4.com/snowblog/st-pauls-protesters-part-time/16448
See here for more details: http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/oct/25/occupy-london-part-time-protest
Where are the minutes from the assemblies?
Broken Shaman on October 25, 2011 at 12:11 am said:
Echo that! The links on the top menu bar fail to link to anything but a search function.
Tech Tent?!?
Sometimes the minutes are there; the next day they’re not.
God knows why. 😉
All governments are incompetent.
Adbusters has said recently that the global campaign needs to consider a response to its critics [that there’s no agenda], i.e., to define our first great demand.
Adbusters has a particular proposal, which is to demonstrate on Saturday 29th October, in advance of the G20 summit, for a “Robin Hood” or Tobin tax. What is OLSX’s response?
http://www.adbusters.org/blogs/adbusters-blog/robinhood.html
http://uk.reuters.com/article/2011/10/24/uk-protests-wallstreet-g-idUKTRE79N7FV20111024
Ideally the response would be: “Are you joking?”
The Tobin Tax is like a band-aid on cancer.
We’d like to sign please!
Have you emailed the address given at the top of the page?
The Vatican has published a call for reform of the international financial and monetary systems. It didn’t make the headlines, so I share it here in case anyone missed it.
The Guardian’s article starts (perhaps not entirely seriously): “If Vatican cardinals have yet to join the Occupy Wall Street protesters, a document released by the Holy See calling for a “world authority” to crack down on capitalism suggests some are considering it.”
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/oct/24/vatican-calls-crackdown-financial-market?newsfeed=true
http://www.news.va/en/news/full-text-note-on-financial-reform-from-the-pontif
Yep, put our name down! Rainbow Church – North London
Hello!
Just wanted to let you know that there is a discussion going on in the
OccupyLSX irc chat channel about the church’s position and how we might
increase support from bishops and other clergy.
We would be delighted if you could pop by the chat channel where we can
discuss how we can help each other.
The link is http://irc.lc/indymedia/OccupyLSX
Best Wishes
With reference to the H&S issues Essential reading IMHO
http://networkedblogs.com/p0tu0
“St Paul’s Cathedral: analysis of Health and Safety issues”
Just to register support!
Overall I like it, and will ask Bristol Quakers to co-sign it even as it is, however, I would like it even more if it toned-down the emphasis on ‘Christian, Christian, Christian….’ -it sounds a bit shouty-evangelical, and that will turn off some liberal contemplative sort of Christians and those Quakers who don’t identify as religiously ‘Christian’ exactly, and will obviously turn off most people of other religious traditions from co-signing.
Christian Abolitionism was fine in the 19thC, but nowadays it has to be more thoroughly open. Also I think it needs to emphasise more the distinction between forms and styles of expression vs. underlying shared values. I see ‘Christianity’ as a particular form of expression of values that if they’re worth anything really are hopefully underlying universals in human nature.
I suggest re-wording it a bit:
Religious solidarity with Occupy LSX and the Occupy movement globally
After that by all means have your ‘Christian’ version, but maybe also invite co-signing religious groups to add their own versions, rather than try to fit everyone into the same form?
>add their own versions
Just set a word limit! maximum 250 words?
I will certainly take the statement to Liverpool Quaker Meeting this week feeling fairly confident it will be supported. I’m in two minds about the emphasis on Christianity in the statement – given the St Paul’s reaction it seems important to express support from an explicitly religious perspective – and yes I can see how many people who are involved in Occupy see organised religion as complicit in inequality – I held that view myself for a long while….but we need to be together on this and work as hard as we can to come together on the key issues – and this means looking for the points of agreement rather than the points of conflict. Holding you in the light.
Please add my name to those endorsing this statement of support. – I am happy to be identified as an ordained member of the Church of England serving in Doncaster.
I too support this as an ordained priest in the Cof E
I believe it is a core Christian value to address injustice and inequality within society. Therefore I align myself with all protestors in the Occupy movement who seek to address injustice and inequality, whatever their personal beliefs.
I too endorse the statement of support.
I fully support your stance on this issue, please add my name on the signatories.
The best in all world views opposes injustice and says to power “Let the people go!” (and YES that’s a paraphrase!)
Surely all world views that offer support will be included, what other support has been given?
As a minister of the United Reformed Church, I too endorse the statement of support.
Late through unavoidable circusmtances, but support!
The staff, officers and many members of the congregation of St Mark’s endorse this statement and support that action being taken. In fact, occupying public space has proved a pretty effective platform for change on the global stage in recent months.
Greenbelt has taken the form of a festival over its thirty-eight years or so to date. So, when we see an encampment of tents, we get excited. It looks a bit like home to us. Somewhere we could belong.
The fact that the ‘Occupy London’ camp also finds itself on the steps of one of the main sites of Christian worship in the country, in the heart of the City of London, where our offices are based, too, only heightens the resonance for us.
Greenbelt has sought to provide a space in which the tables can be turned. Where the marginalised are given a voice. We have been privileged to host key ‘Drop the Debt’ and ‘Jubilee 2000’ campaigning moments and have celebrated non-violent resistance to oppression and injustice from all around the globe.
That’s why we want to add Greenbelt’s name to those listed at the “Christian Solidarity with the ‘Occupy London’ movement” website. Not to do so would seem to us to look the other way, to pass by on the other side.
Dear Friends
I am delighted to confirm that Wimbledon Quakers at their recent meeting added their formal support to “the Statement of Christian Solidarity”. I should add that Quakers have a long history of supporting an ethical approach to business in general and banking in particular.
Below is the minute which was agreed:-
Susanna Riviere has proposed that we sign the “Statement of Christian solidarity” with the Occupy London camp at St. Paul’s. (The statement was then read out)
We agree to sign this statement on behalf of Wimbledon Meeting and to encourage further constructive debate at all levels about the issues raised by the occupation at St Paul’s.
In peace and friendship
Stuart
Count me in! Delighted that there are voices of faith and no faith joining together in pursuit of a fairer world and a more equal humanity. Wonderful. Cyfarchion o Gymru – Greetings from Wales.
I fully support the stated aims of the Occupy London movement, as well as similar movements around the world. I couldn’t state my thoughts better than those expressed above! The difference between the rich and the poor in our society is worse than at any time since the victorian times and we Christians must make a stand. I stand alongside any people who seek to change the system, by non-violent means, to benefit the poor and marginalised.
I wholeheartedly endorse your statement
I support what you guys are doing. Just wish i could join you. You are representing many people, of no faith, and different faiths. Also many who dont know, but who instictly know about injustice, coruption and greed. Please continue to focus on what binds us in common course. Those in power would love you to fragment and self destruct.
Sorry – perhaps i should say- some of those in power.