[OccupySheffield] Fwd: Response to Letter from Sheffield Cathedral dated 5th Jan

[Chris]

Hi

The following email was sent this evening.

All the best

Chris

----- Forwarded message from Occupy Sheffield <info at occupysheffield.org.uk> -----

From: Occupy Sheffield <info at occupysheffield.org.uk>
To: <peter.bradley at sheffield-cathedral.org.uk>,
	<carl.hutton at sheffield-cathedral.org.uk>

Dear Sheffield Cathedral,

Following the latest letter from the Dean and the accompanying press 
release we have discussed at our latest General Assembly both items and 
the discussion had with your management representatives on Friday 6th.

You will understand that we feel very disappointed that the Cathedral 
feels it necessary to threaten Occupy Sheffield with eviction 
proceedings at this stage, when we are trying to establish our future 
strategy for the movement, in light of the upcoming availability of the 
Citadel of Hope on Cross Burgess Street and the continuing inclement 
weather.

We have discussed and appreciate the plans the Cathedral has for the 
extensive building works planned for later in the year but believe the 
threats made are premature and unnecessary, when we have always said we 
would do everything we can to accommodate the needs of the Cathedral in 
respect of the use of the Forecourt.

We also feel it is incumbent on us at this stage to point out that the 
threat of legal action inevitably includes the threat of violence 
against the peaceful protest currently being undertaken by Occupy 
Sheffield, since the ultimate recourse of a successful eviction 
proceeding would be the use of Bailiffs etc. to physically remove the 
protest.

On a more positive note we appreciate your comments about the 
importance of the work we are undertaking and the issues we are raising 
and we recognise the Cathedral has been working quietly on the same 
issues for many years. We continue to hope that the Dean and Chapter 
will eventually feel able to connect more fully with Occupy Sheffield to 
strengthen both our efforts to effect a real change in the city.

If you are keeping abreast of developments on our social media sites 
you will be aware that we are currently undertaking a week of meetings 
to more effectively define our future strategy with respect to the 
availability of the Citadel of Hope and the impact of that facility on 
our camp at Church Street. This is no simple process with so many people 
involved and in light of the way we decide things by consensus, 
democratically. However we do plan to keep you informed of our progress 
on these matters as appropriate, via the two weekly meetings with your 
management staff and continue to hope that you will allow us to 
facilitate our continued discussions without the necessity of 
unwarranted and expensive legal proceedings.

Yours faithfully

Occupy Sheffield.

----- End forwarded message -----