Bishop Calls For End To Occupy Protest

The Bishop of London has called for the protesters outside St Paul's Cathedral to leave, saying the camp’s presence is threatening to eclipse the issues it was set up to address.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Rt Rev Richard Chartres’ said the demonstration by the Occupy London Stock Exchange (OccupyLSX) had "undoubtedly raised a number of very important questions", but that the time had come for the protestors to leave.

"The St Paul’s Institute has itself focused on the issue of executive pay and I am involved in ongoing discussions with City leaders about improving shareholder influence on excessive remuneration.

“Nevertheless, the time has come for the protestors to leave… The Dean and the Chapter, who are responsible for St Paul’s, have already made it clear that the protest should come to an end and I fully support that view.”

However, reports have emerged saying the Reverend Dr Giles Fraser, the Cathedral's Chancellor who had supported the protestors right to camp last week, will promise to resign if the OccupyLSX demonstrators are forced out of the neighbourhood.

The movement is accusing the Church of mixed messages, with some statements from the church citing "health and safety concerns" and others identifying financial loss as the reason for the protest to stop.

According to the protestors, the Church is refusing to explain how the camp is causing any health and safety concerns, while the high profile peaceful protest is attracting more tourists than ever to the area.

"We are getting completely mixed messages," an Occupy protestor said. "The bishop should get involved in some of our discussions."

Meanwhile, London Mayor Boris Johnson has seconded Rev Chartres calls for the protestors outside of the historic church to go.

"They have made their point, they have to go," Johnson said.

(DW/GK)