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Fathers' rights demonstrators storm Minster
Michael Brown Religious Affairs Correspondent A VIOLENT invasion of York Minster yesterday by fathers' rights group Fathers 4 Justice forced the dramatic suspension of a Eucharist being attended by more than 500 members of General Synod.
About a dozen members of the group dressed as vicars, nuns and monks tried to force entry into the Communion service.
An elderly steward received a black eye in the incident which saw extensive damage caused to a large inner glass door at the Minster's north west entrance.
Later, following further protests by about 20 members of the group, which campaigns for the right of divorced and separated fathers, police made 12 arrests.
A police spokesman said the dozen were being held in relation to suspected offences of assault and criminal damage.
The Church of England condemned the group's protest, which follows other stunts such as throwing purple flour-filled condoms at Tony Blair during Prime Minister's Question Time.
The protest began about 20 minutes into the service which was attended by Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams and Archbishop of York David Hope.
Minster stewards tried to keep the intruders out but about eight of the protesters managed to run up the central aisle to within a few yards of the nave altar – only feet from the two archbishops.
Archbishop Williams approached one of the group, Fathers 4 Justice founder Matt O'Connor, and agreed he could have "a couple of minutes" to state his case.
Mr O'Connor told shocked, silent and angry synod members: "It is an issue the church needs to address and address now. We are here today in the name of Jesus, in the name of our children.
"What church could allow her children to lose contact with their fathers? We desperately need help from this church – help from you to protect the sacred bond between fathers and their children. Why is there deathly silence from this church? Why are we having to interrupt your service today? We implore the church to pray for our children."
Mr O'Connor drew applause from some synod members after asking for forgiveness for the interruption.
Supporters later said he was among those arrested by the police.
As he spoke eight supporters stood in silence in front of the altar. Minutes later they were joined by another group member and together walked down the aisle and at the west end were escorted from the cathedral.
Speaking outside, the Very Reverend Keith Jones, the Dean of York, condemned the "violent intrusion".
He said: "No doubt there are real issues at stake for these individuals.
"They have been given an opportunity to share their concerns with the congregation here.
"But there has also been personal injury and damage to a place of worship which preaches the eternal message of healing, justice and compassion for all and that has to be deplored strongly."
After group members went out of the Minster some of them walked to the opposite end of the building where one, dressed as a cardinal, mounted scaffolding and from the top "blessed" the crowd that had gathered while other protesters sounded bugles and shouted slogans.
One, who gave his name as Jim Gibson, said: "I'm the father of a son and a daughter. I haven't seen my daughter for three months. Every time I go to court the judge – always a different judge – reduces my contact order. I daren't go any more."
Fathers 4 Justice last month announced it planned to target St Paul's Cathedral with a similar protest, but this has not happened. Yesterday's invasion of York Minster was not announced.
One protester said yesterday: "Next we shall target court buildings and solicitors' offices."
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Saturday 11 February 2012
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