Cathedral authorities should have behaved with Blitz spirit

IN the aftermath of the Second World War, the Windmill Theatre in London’s Soho became noted not only for its nightly floor show on stage, said to have been quite audacious, but also for its proud proclamation that “we never closed”.

Looking at the ongoing confusion and kerfuffle in the square in front of St Paul’s Cathedral, and the uncertainty about how the ramifications of this rolling campaign of protest will be worked out, the Cathedral authorities cannot be said to have covered themselves in glory in their wavering attitude towards the protesters in the square, nor to the thousands of members of the public wishing to take part in its religious services, or wishing to simply visit.

The authorities were clearly unable to balance conflicting responsibilities with which they were faced.

If St Paul’s, a great national institution, had shown some resolution and followed the example of the Windmill by keeping its doors open throughout this ongoing perturbation, then it too would have been able to declare: “We never closed.”

Perhaps the “wrong” decision was taken. Nevertheless, given the place of St Paul’s in the life and in the religious and cultural history of London and its people, I believe that had the “right” decision been taken then a strong resonance with the people of London would have generated a sympathy and support for the Cathedral which would have given it an enhanced rather than a diminished reputation, in people’s sympathies.

From: Dick Lindley, Alotfts, Normanton, Wakefield.

ONCE again, I almost choked on my Cornflakes when I read that the Archbishop of Canterbury was suggesting the imposition of a punitive tax on the wealth creators and the financial institutions of the UK.

When one considers the incalculable wealth of the Church Commissioners, much of which was stolen from decent hardworking people in the past in the form of tithes, it would be an appropriate and a Christian gesture if, in the words of Jesus “sell all thou hast and give it to the poor”, they were to follow his teachings and disperse their vast wealth to the disadvantaged in our society.

From: G J C Reid, Mayfield Road, Whitby.

TWO points, if I may. As I understand it, a large number of the protesters go home at night.

Could not the authorities then move in and remove the empty tents as discarded litter?

No doubt some of the protesters are on Jobseeker’s Allowance and are obviously not actively seeking work. Is this benefit being withheld as it should be?

One final question; why are they called activists when, as far as I can see from TV, they are extremely inactive?

From: Keith Senior, Marlo Road, Dewsbury.

MAY I share a few thoughts regarding the occupation of the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral by protesters.

When will it be that people in this country realise that in the present secular and materialistic climate of Britain, the Church of England struggles to be “the Church” and to maintain its relevance?

I am amazed that a society which turns its back on an institution suddenly decides to batter that institution and use it for its own ends.

The Church is an easy target and the organisers of this protest, in choosing their venue, have known this and in the process have besmirched their campaign, caused much distress and diminished the relevance of their original cause.

I wonder how many of the protesters support the Church of England, or indeed, if their protest regarding capitalism springs from any form of Christian conviction?

If they do, then surely they would have thought twice about their disgusting behaviour on the steps of a Christian church?

I did notice one banner which, rather naively, asked: “What would Jesus do?”

Well, may I suggest that He would do what He did 2,000 or so years ago at another temple, set about these people and evict them and remind them that His Father’s house is a house of prayer and not an arena for political agitation.

From: Godfrey Bloom MEP, UKIP MEP for Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

DID anyone else watch the toe-curlingly inept interview by the BBC of the Bishop of Willesden?

The appalling debacle caused by the usual Church of England trendy clergy at St Paul’s Cathedral was all about how worthy the spoilt young middle class protestors were, who incidentally go home for the evening now the night is drawing in.

Not a word about God, religion, the sanctity of the Cathedral, spirituality, or even the interests of the international visitors but all about “capitalism” and executive pay and shareholders.

No wonder the Church of England pews are empty and anyone wanting real reporting is turning from Auntie Beeb to Russia Today.

From: John Gordon, Whitcliffe Lane, Ripon.

WHY didn’t the Dean invite all the protesters into St Paul’s and ask them to pray for a better world?