I've found it rather interesting how the Occupy Protests outside of St Pauls in London have begun to challenge something completely different, and highlight a problem with church priorities.
The protest is actually about anti-capitalism, and unable to camp outside the London Stock Exchange (it's privately owned land) the group pitched up in front of one of London's most iconic landmarks, St Pauls. Originally welcomed by the church, slowly as the week has progressed, calls for the protesters to move on have become stronger, backed by legal a move towards action. The cathedral had to close to the public on grounds of health and safety, but protesters have denied any breaches, keeping to regulations set out by the police.
So why was St Pauls shut? Obviously there was a fear that protests would turn violent, that the Wren designed building would be damaged. However, there have been no threats or demonstrations that point towards force or anger by these protesters, although police did clash with demonstrators on the steps on the weekend before last.
Tourists have been disappointed, making the trip over to London - which is not a cheap holiday in this economic climate. So it will be interesting to see whether the church will practice what they preach and 'throw out the money lenders', or continue to be concerned with their own back pocket, as St Paul's loses more money during the closure.
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