Dean of St Paul’s quits amid split over protesters massed outside

The row over the anti-capitalist protest outside St Paul’s Cathedral claimed another victim yesterday.

The Dean, the Right Rev Graeme Knowles, resigned, saying his position was “untenable”.

His departure followed those of Canon Chancellor of St Paul’s Giles Fraser and part-time chaplain Fraser Dyer.

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The dean made the initial announcement that the historic cathedral, in London, had closed its doors for the first time since the Second World War because of fears over health and safety.

He asked demonstrators to move on, while the former canon chancellor and chaplain resigned because of the way the controversy had been handled.

Mr Knowles, who had been Dean for four years, said: “It has become increasingly clear to me that, as criticism of the cathedral has mounted in the Press, media and in public opinion, my position as Dean of St Paul’s was becoming untenable.

“In order to give the opportunity for a fresh approach to the complex and vital questions facing St Paul’s, I have thought it best to stand down.” He added that he hoped there might be a swift and peaceful resolution.

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Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams described the resignation as “very sad news” and said: “The urgent larger issues raised by the protesters at St Paul’s remain very much on the table and we need – as a Church and as society as a whole – to work to make sure that they are properly addressed.”

The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, who has backed legal measures that could lead to the demonstrators’ eviction, said the dean had “acted honourably in a very difficult situation”.

The Occupy London movement said: “The management of St Paul’s Cathedral is obviously deeply divided over the position they have taken... but our cause has never been directed at the staff of the cathedral.

“We reiterate the need for open and transparent dialogue involving all parties.”

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