Occupy protesters refuse to leave

The Occupy Exeter campaigners camped on the City\'s Cathedral Green are refusing to leave, despite a request from the Diocese.

Cathedral authorities made the request yesterday, citing anti-social behaviour, messiness and alcohol use, asking for a response by midday today.

The anti-inequality protesters made a statement this lunchtime, critisising a lack of engagement and that new terms "would seem to nullify the very essence of our movement."

A Cathedral meeting scheduled for next Thursday will make a decision about the next steps that are taken.

The statement in full -

Dear Chapter and people of the Cathedral,

Thank you for your letter.

We agree with your concerns for transformation of society into a fairer, more just environment for all. We would also suggest that this is a greater issue than anything mentioned in your letter and question the nature of the transformation that you seek.

We would like to suggest that, based on the evidence that you offer, it is actions such as referring to property ownership and actually mentioning the amounts that you give to charity that is preventing you from truly engaging with the real problems in society. The Cathedral may well be engaged in relieving the symptoms of social deprivation but could also pay attention to addressing their causes. With reference to homelessness, for example: we actively engage with people on a holistic level, as complex human beings at difficult points on their journeys, rather than reacting to the social labels and symptoms with which they are burdened.

In the Acting Dean’s initial sermon regarding the OCCUPY camp, he said: "I like the idea of getting to know them [Occupy Exeter] and perhaps their presence will also remind us of the need to get our priorities straight...” You are welcome, as ever, to join us at our daily General Assembly meetings to discuss these issues, in a truly democratic and open forum, where consensus rather than tradition allows us to find common ground and resolve the issues presented to us.

Our presence on the Cathedral green is – as it has always been – because it represents the only green space with high public footfall in the city. Thank you for the offer of another tent. However, your terms would seem to nullify the very essence of our movement – Occupation – and could not, therefore, be considered as a basis for a genuine partnership.

Your neighbours