The Most Rev David Chillingworth, Bishop of St Andrews, Dunkeld & Dunblane and Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church and the Very Rev Dr John Armes, Rector of St John’s Episcopal Church, Princes Street and Dean of Edinburgh met with members of Occupy Edinburgh in St Andrews Square on Monday past.
Following the visit, the Primus commented “‘We were warmly welcomed at the Occupy encampment in St Andrews Square. As a church, we try to build relationships and engage in dialogue in every part of our society. This visit was part of that developing picture.
“For us as representatives of a church, it was both challenging and encouraging to find how quickly those we met wanted to discuss ‘what the Bible says’ and what we believe about issues such as justice and equality. Members of the Occupy Edinburgh encampment believe that they are modelling a better society – a community of sharing and one where leadership is based on service rather than hierarchy. They value their constant contact with members of the public who pass through the Square and they believe that their perseverance is a witness to the need for our society to re-evaluate the ethics and values of our financial systems.
“Our church must continue to be involved in debate about the better ordering of our society – particularly when so many aspects of our financial system seem to be failing. We look forward to continuing contact with the members of the Occupy encampment – as we also look forward to contact with those who are involved in our political and financial life at every level.”
The Primus has also written about the visit on his weblog. He states:
“One of the clergy at St Paul’s said that he found Jesus in the Occupy encampment. Do you expect to find Jesus here?’
“As an opening question from a reporter from The Times as I arrived at the Occupy camp in St Andrews Square in Edinburgh .. it seemed challenging enough to be going on with. To which I responded that I expected to find Jesus in every place of suffering and poverty – indeed with the late Bishop David Shepherd I believe that the Gospel has a ‘bias to the poor’. But I also expect to find Jesus among bankers of good will and integrity .. among financiers and politicians who are desperately trying to rescue a failing financial system .. After all Jesus called Matthew the Tax-Collector
“I’ve been wanting to visit for some time and I was glad to do so today. They are a community – attempting to function without leaders. They have a cause but they don’t see themselves as strategists – they are there and they intend to stay there, letting their presence and perseverence speak for itself.
“And of course the really interesting thing is the speed with which the conversation turns to what the Bible says or doesn’t say about their issues. In that sense it is humbling to be with them because they expect so much from those who claim to stand for something better – and the question about whether or not Jesus was there was maybe not so wide of the mark.”