<div class="gmail_quote"><blockquote class="gmail_quote" style="margin: 0pt 0pt 0pt 0.8ex; border-left: 1px solid rgb(204, 204, 204); padding-left: 1ex;">Dear Occupy all of the UK:<br><br>If you were at the conference in London on 19-20 Nov, you might have heard of the Winter Carnival proposal. <br>
<br><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We <br>
have a vision of a way to expand the movement beyond the tents and into
the populace, using the natural alliance the Occupy Movement has with
churches. This alliance is not one of belief, but one of urgent goals:
economic and social justice, true democracy and caring for the weakest
in our society. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We <br>
have a vision of growing the movement to truly encompass the 99%. We
have a vision of the people of Britain coming together this winter and<br>
lighting their dark streets, walking shoulder to shoulder together and
acknowledging their common goal of a more just world for their children.<br>
</span><br><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">This<br>
vision involves a Winter Carnival – a local event held at the Cathedral<br> by and for the Occupation and any allies who come forward. One part of<br> the Winter Carnival may be a visit from a “Touring Occupation”<br>
originating in London. </span><br><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">One<br>
part may be a debate held inside the Cathedral. In 1647, the<br> Levellers held debates at Putney Cathedral to determine what course the<br> people of the UK wanted the country to take – apart from the monarchy<br>
and the existing government. What do we want and how do we get there?<br> The time has come to have that dialogue anew. </span><br><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"><br>
For both the church (any church - the Church Universal) and the<br> Occupation, the goal here is outreach. The idea is that any<br> organization would be welcome to participate, from local green parties<br>
and activists like UK Uncut to churches and faith groups of all<br> descriptions. The idea is that we stand together and celebrate the fact<br> that the ideas of the Occupation are already beginning to triumph. But<br>
we need to truly reach the 99%. We want to start that process of outreach by walking in the streets with all<br> our allies, lighting the darkness of winter with candles, by engaging,<br>
teaching, listening and learning. </span><br><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">We have contacted about 22 bishops and may have contacted one near you. </span>Salisbury and Leicester have already shown interest. <br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Would<br>
you be interested in working with us to bring a Winter Carnival to<br> your city? It would be work, but it is the kind of work and organizing<br> that can be done by supporters who are not able to camp. </span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Below<br>
is a proposal for you to consider and perhaps bring to your General<br> Assembly or outside supporter. Please let us know if you would like to do<br> something like this with us or even if you want to know who we contacted near you and whether they have responded. <br>
Note this is an idea in development - a<br> very powerful idea that could really bring the movement forward - but it<br> has not yet been approved by the General Assembly at St. Paul’s or<br>
Finsbury Square. </span><br><span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 16px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Kind regards</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 15px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Winter Carnival Committee</span><br>
<p dir="ltr" style="margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; margin-bottom: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Contact<br>
Rachel Mariner </span><span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> * 07960907937</span></p>
<span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 12px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Winter Carnival</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">General Proposal</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whereas</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"> Occupy London has accomplished the beginning of a great moral awakening in Britain;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whereas<br>
the Church of England, the Church Universal, people of many other<br> faiths and people of no faith share the goals of a more moral<br> marketplace and a more moral government put forth by the Occupation;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whereas<br>
a public forum throughout all of England, Wales, Scotland and Northern<br> Ireland, is greatly to be desired by everyone who seeks to understand,<br> decide and support the reforms necessary;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Whereas the spirit of the movement must spread beyond the camps or be in danger of diminishing;</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">AND FINALLY, whereas this is a land with a rich history of festivals:</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">THERE IS PROPOSED a Winter Carnival</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">There<br>
is proposed a great Winter Carnival, to roll through all of Britain<br> from Cathedral to Cathedral. These Cathedrals are our commonwealth and<br> they and the national Church of England should be pressed into service<br>
in this time of injustice and moral crisis. </span><br><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Winter Carnival could have multiple components.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Candlelight Walk</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">:<br>
A symbolic candelit walk beginning at St. Paul’s could start the<br> Carnival – a victory march that recognizes the triumph of awakening the<br> Occupation has started. The walk could go through London to St. Albans,<br>
Southwark, Westminster and beyond. In each city, the Occupiers could<br> arrive at the train station and be met by local supporters, local<br> activists, people of faith and people in need. They could then walk,<br>
holding candles, to the Cathedrals. A spreading of light.</span><br><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Putney Debates</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">:<br>
As in 1647, the Cathedrals could host debates or town meetings where<br> the governmental and economic reform we seek could be refined,<br> discussed, considered and our different options learned. Occupy and the<br>
Church could invite speakers and leaders to hold public meetings about<br> how we as a people want to live. A written constitution and bill of<br> rights could be drafted by a travelling working group.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Open Forums</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">:<br>
at the carnival, all interested parties, including people of the<br> churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, the Occupy movements, people from<br> political parties and interest groups and grass roots organizations,<br>
would come and talk about how to make change for the better. </span><br><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Reclaiming of Government: </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">A<br>
walk from the Cathedral to the government buildings – the town halls –<br> where people could hold a General Assembly, airing their grievances in<br> this winter of our discontent.</span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Heritage: </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Open<br>
the Cathedrals to the Occupiers and children and have history teachers<br> explain the martyrs, and the historical role of the Church in securing<br> greater liberty for the people. Let us hear the stories of the martyrs<br>
and progress and reform. Let us remember our own past together. </span><br><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Wine, Feasting and Song: </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Local
amateur bands could play, local suppliers could offer food, mittens and
mulled wine and fairy lights, a celebration to raise our spirits and by<br>
raising our spirits raising our humanity.</span><br><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;"></span><br>
<span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: bold; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">Practical Help: </span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-family: Times New Roman; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent; font-weight: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline;">The touring and local Occupations could assist at local foodbanks, homeless<br>
shelters and elder care centres to bring attention to local cuts<br> issues.</span>
</blockquote></div><br>