Cathedral and Capitalism in Crisis
Happily following a swift blood test at St Bartholomew’s Hospital yesterday we were able to show our solidarity with those camping outside St Paul’s Cathedral. Anticipating the brevity of the hospital appointment we took a film camera with us to collect footage that might prove useful for our film ‘From Cable Street to Brick Lane’.
Capitalism in Crisis protest, St Pauls Cathedral 2011.
I’ve admired the steps and facade of St Pauls all my life. That admiration was amplified when I first looked at the tented encampment that was growing around the ecclesiastical base. Traditionally Cathedrals throughout Europe would be surrounded by markets. The sale of ‘fruit and Veg’ would no doubt be seen as vulgar by today’s cathedral authorities. Possibly they would now prefer a modest market instead of being ethically cleansed by campaigners and activists who have no faith in Capitalism.
Planet for sale. Capitalism is Crisis protest, St Pauls Cathedral 2011.
I can imagine a liturgical parade, with the Bishop carrying a staff with the message (above) attached to it. I am reminded also of the time Saint Peter Tatchell ‘occupied’ a cathedral pulpit with the Archbishop of Canterbury in pursuit of LGBT rights. I shouldn’t imagine things because in reality there is a real and international growing movement against the greed of bankers and multi – national companies who dominate the world economy.
Women protesters against racist murderers. Newham 1980's.
I had some difficulty in selecting the above photograph. I was going to add another photograph of the St Paul’s encampment. I then realised I was missing something out. The international struggles that have become so visible this year and given hope to millions of people across the planet have been spurred on by a great legacy of struggles from the past. I can never look back now with a nostalgia towards previous struggles because at the Cathedral yesterday I could feel that all the demonstrations I have attended over the past 40 years were resonating their.
