I understand what you are saying but I think that you might have to provide them sanctuary if needed.

The Rev. John F. C. Dornheim on November 15, 2011

I witnessed the Trinity Church beat down at Duarte Square. I listened to the Occupy Wall Street organizers plead with your staff for sanctuary, only to be rebuffed and given the moral run-around. Contrary to your statement the space requested was locked and un-used, a mile from your church, and could in no way turn your church over to a single cause. Dr Cooper, you have failed your Christian duty, and you should be ashamed. It is clear that what Trinity is not is a Christian Church, what it is a wealthy property manager. If Trinity were honest it would remove the crosses from its church and replace them with their tru god, the floating eye over the pyramid. It is clear that what Trinity worships is money, and that's OK, this is America you can worship money, just don't say you're Christian Church. Dr. Cooper you aren't a Rector, you are the President of the bank.

I am Gnosis on November 15, 2011

Dr. Cooper's statement is measured and reasonable. The OWS demonstrators(whose goals have never been clearly stated) have their First Amendment rights. But, so do residents, and small business owners. The police are due as much love as any activist or musician in the park. As Christians we support both justice and mercy, and try to witness God's love to all.. At this point, OWS has become self-indulgent street theater. The 1% are laughing all the way to their next bonus, and most of them work far from the financial district these days. They are untroubled by OWS. When plan A isn't working, it's time to organize a march on Washington, which is where the 1% have their powerful friends who do their biding. Also, why pick on a TEC church? Are there no other wealthy denominations downtown? Why does that other church get a free pass, since they can always pony up X million to settle abuse claims? Are they helping the OWS people with their vast resources?

John Morrison on November 16, 2011

Several weeks ago, our Associate Priest gave a brief but direct sermon about OWS. In short, he pointed out that our mission as Episcopalians consists of two parts--our faith in God and our commitment to social justice on Earth. He suggested that we may or may not agree with all of OWS but that in general OWS stands for social and economic justice. He mentioned that while it may be difficult at times to support OWS (and related groups) that we should do our best and try to do it better. I am aware that if Trinity is seen actively supporting OWS, life at Trinity will, in the short run, be made difficult by people who do not support OWS. In fact, more than a few people with direct connections to Trinity are people who are the source of OWS's frustration. However, for the most part, OWS deserves our support and is aiming for the right things. With few exceptions, people that OWS is upset with are not struggling to feed their families and clothe their children. These people may be upset that the church supports OWS but the church's support does not cause them them harm. I certainly believe that the church can set limits in it's support of OWS but those limits are way too, well, limited right now. Taking an active role--like Middle Collegiate took tonight by offering temporary shelter to the OWS protesters--is what's needed to make a difference. It's going to require courage, humor, and sweat but I hope Trinity will be able to come around and take a strong stand in support of the goals of OWS and offer significant support.

A midtown Episcopalian on November 16, 2011

@I am Gnosis, Trinity Church "beat down" NO ONE. That statement is just mean spirited and wrong. Where was this staff that OWS pleaded with? At Duarte Square? Because being a mile way from the Church and offices no staff was present at the time of the event. There is no way Trinity could let OWS use the space, because it is currently being leased to Lower Manhattan Cultural Council. That would be like your landlord letting his brother sleep in the apartment you are legally renting, without your permission. It is obvious you have an issue with Trinity Church Wall Street, but to try an incite others with your vitriol at a time when rumor and gossip are already running amuck is hateful and selfish.

Rohan DeSliver In NYC on November 16, 2011

I am a cradle Episcopalian, a New Yorker, I work in commercial real estate and have been down to Zuccotti Park on many occasions. I am not a Trinity Parishioner but do go in on occasion for a noonday service as I work in the area. Today as these events unfolded I googled what was going on an received a live stream of talks via phone adjacent to the property in question before the violence erupted between an OWS rep and someone from Trinity. The OWS person pleaded again and again for the Trinity person to put the Rector of Trinity on the phone to no avail in an attempt to stop the potential violence. Alas no stay was granted. People were, from what I saw on the internet, kicked, beaten and hit as they were dragged from the property even as they were utterly non violent. I was practically in tears as I watched this action emanating from grounds connected to the Church I have been born, bred and raised in. There is no rationale or explanation for this action. There is no acceptable excuse. I called my Priest tonight and told her how exasperated I was. To the last post: after googling the relationships it is clear that Trinity owns the space. It is clear that anyone who understands major real estate in NY knows that they were contacted about this action and about what action ought be taken. This is land that was granted trinity church in the original land grant and it is under no particular development at the current moment though it is slated to be (check plans filed under CB2). Trinity is a donor of the land temporarily to LMCC. It would be unrealistic and naive to imagine that the Lower Manhattan Council, or any other donor Like Pilate one may wash hands but in the end complicity is complicity. It is a sad day for Trinity and I am unsettled about my Church. There is no way to hide behind words. I will not stop going for communion when I am free but, though it is bad theology, I am going to go with an exceedingly heavy heart.

Joanne Alberts on November 16, 2011

I want to clarify in my hastily composed note I just posted that I was referencing a live-streamed conversation between a OWS rep and someone from Trinity. I mentioned violence between then however the violence was not between them. Rather, as they conversed the OWS rep pleaded for leniency which went unheeded and then from what I could see the violence erupted. I am shaking even as I compose this.

Joanne Alberts on November 16, 2011

Rohan, Joanne bore witness online to what I saw on the street. Maybe you should ask Dr Cooper. Then I would suggest you look on line at the police beatings that were handed out in the name of Trinity Church. Whatsoever you do to the least of my brethren that you do onto me. Trinity must own theses beating.

I am Gnosis on November 16, 2011

Before I retire I must note with great sadness that Brookfield Associates has allowed people on the property at Zuccotti. Brookfield is a basic company, while from what I understand this art park which Trinity ultimately controls currently has the look of a garrison from I know from what a friend who lives on Grand told me. Boards up, no trespassing signs etc and all other defensive gestures and barriers. I told my Priest about my discomfort about receiving communion at Trinity's noonday services and she explained that it would be a heresy and that we needed to recognize that the condition of people giving communion did not effect the sacrament I know this is silly but how can you give the body broken, even more receive it, when the church is not standing by people who are being attacked. I don't mean in the abstract but in the real location where this is happening. Please Fr. Cooper of someone Trinity Priest please answer. I am confused. Going to be bed after a horrendous day.

Joanne Alberts on November 16, 2011

Trinity Church chose to value its wealth and property above social and economic justice. "I'll say it again--it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the Kingdom of God!" "So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth."

Madeline Nelson on November 16, 2011

All viewpoints are welcome here. Please post under your own name.

Moderator on November 16, 2011

Look, Trinity has given temporary control of the park to LMCC. For Trinity to then say, "Oh, forget that you paid us--we are just going to seize this space back from you and give it to OWS" would be stealing. So either the church is against OWS or is a thief. Lose-lose. How would you feel if your landlord handed over keys to your apartment to OWS, and told you, "You don't usually use your living room, so I think OWS should be able to use it"?

Mary O'Shaughnessy on November 16, 2011

You're one of the largest landlords in the city and could easily provide sanctuary. Instead, you've proven that you care more about the "Wall Street" part of your name than the "Trinity." I'm a cradle Episcopalian, but I wish you nothing but the worst.

MD Armstorng on November 16, 2011

Ashamed to be an Episcopalian. How does this make us look, for you to allow people to be arrested for a cause you supposedly support? It reinforces the prevailing view that, while providing great programs, the heart of Trinity is really in money and real estate.

Joe on November 16, 2011

Mary, I just have to say...as with the Bishop Sisk waffling on gay marriages, again you take a nuanced position and attempted to make it simple to defend the church. You are comparing apples and oranges with the apartment scenario.

Joe on November 16, 2011

It is all about knowledge. These PPL at the Church do not understand there could be a (r)evolution of heart happening. They are materialistic as most us are and that mentality is so difficult to spot in yourself and even harder to change. They do not have a clue that one day (may have been Yesterday) each and every one of us may have a choice in front of us that could give Peace a lifeline or further bury hope. God forbid they prematurely end a lease of an unused piece of land. I understand this is not an easy choice on the surface but as you look a little deeper it should be obvious to any of us with a heart and soul that some thing in History are bigger than being a "thief" because never ever ever has a contract been severed for a bigger event. Truth is it is only that the meager are the only ones whom this happens to and nobody ever stands up to those larger better funded folks. Nice job Trinity, Same ol power structure and shortsighted vision. Thank goodness I'm Atheist otherwise this may have disappointed or surprised me.

Ishmael by D.Q. on November 16, 2011

Lots of shame being thrown around here I see... I am an activist, a revolutionary in many ways, a man unafraid when it comes to making my voice heard even in situations where the smart thing, for safety's sake, would have been to take a step back. I am also a Buddhist married to a priest, an Episcopalian priest who happens to work at Trinity Church Wall Street. I am the first one to raise any issues that poses tension between the official Church message and my ideology no matter what the subject. I "entered" Christian life observing with reservation and skepticism. This came not from a desire to be objective but from what I realized was a closed mind to anything that had to do with a religion I believed was all about oppression and judgement. I have come to know the staff and the clergy at Trinity Church very well and I can say without a trace of a doubt that every person I know there, including OF COURSE Dr. Cooper, are involved and generous human beings that constantly strive to find the way to CREATE conversation, raise questions and grow from its result. Does Trinity Church have money? Perhaps more money than any church should have? Yes, as far as I'm concerned. But, are they placing a higher value on money than they are on human struggle and the rights of everyone in our community? Absolutely not!! Trinity Church understands that "it will never rain to everyone's liking", and my advise to those who believe otherwise and think that somehow there is an answer out there that will please everyone's morals and efforts for a better world, is to take a breath, reach within and take a second before acting in a way that you yourself condemn when witnessed in others. Bravo to Trinity Church for getting involved, and Bravo Dr. Cooper for offering an explanation and making Trinity available to OWS to the best of your capability without falling trap of a hype that would probably cause you to ignore the needs of many others. I stand behind OWS 100%!! I will continue to make my voice heard AND I will ALSO continue to respect the voices of those who speak mindfully taking all given circumstances into consideration even if when I don't agree with them.

Javier Galitó-Cava on November 16, 2011

I support OWS, I've done what I can to help by showing up when I can, and sending money when I can, and speaking out! It's what I can do right now. I've written to Mayor Bloomberg and several of his top administrators expressing my outrage at yesterday's eviction from Ziccotti Park. And now, I want to write in here to express a few thoughts about what I see written here about Trinity. Trinity is both a wealthy landowner and an Episcopal church. It's hard to grasp that Trinity is both, and it's always a conversation started and sometimes a conversation stopper. Because most of us, including me, are brought up to believe in extreme forms of religion. In other words, some believe that the only way to be a real Christian is to live in extreme poverty, or some believe that if you call yourself a Christian then you must be a religious zealot. So, understandably, we grow disillusioned with religion. Those scenarios sound exhausting. I'm tired just thinking about how much work I used to put into telling other people how to live, especially my fellow Christians. And, after a long time in the Trinity community (amazing people, btw), I realized that this is how a child looks at the world. In extremes. Until I started learning about church and the bible, I didn't know that worship and the space your worship in, are not the same things. Trinity donates a major portion of their real estate income to programs in the US, Africa and South America, and are always encouraging others to do the same. Trinity also runs one of the best Preschool programs in NYC and an awesome music program (often free to the public, music not preschool). Trinity continues to walk that fine line between landlord and servant. They certainly don't always get it right, but that's not because they are a wealthy institution, it's because they can't fix every social problem that comes their way. It's just not logical or practical. Their congregants, the people who actively worship and donate there, should ask Trinity to join causes they support, yes, that's part of being in a community. What I'm referring to is Trinity's limitations as a church community. It doesn't have unlimited resources, because the resource they use the most is their people. Their congregation and staff. I'm not talking priests. I'm taking lay people both congregation and staff. Lay people. So, the work gets done little by little. Tediously and arduously. It's never perfect and it's never finished. OWS is one movement toward asking for more economical equality in this country, it's not the only movement, and in a year or so, it may look very different. Why should I force the people who worship at Trinity and the people who work there to fight for a cause that has yet to be clearly defined? What will we all say when this movement gets commercialized. Think Jay Z and Fishs Eddy claiming to be on board with the 99% so they can t-shirts and plates. Move OWS to Trinity? I don't know how often I'll be able to volunteer to help with this particular ministry. As it is, I'm on hiatus, but that's another rant. And please don't forget that the NYPD is responsible for excessive use of force, "The NYPD works for us! Not for you Mayor Bloomberg". Not Trinity, especially not Dr. Cooper. It's completely out of line to blame Dr. Cooper for police brutality. It's terrible that the protestors were beaten for breaking into private property. But, the last time I checked Dr. Cooper was not my dad, I can't crash in his backyard, accept whatever hospitality he can offer, and then expect him to be cool with it when I steal his car. Then get mad at him because he didn't come to rescue me when the cops came to arrest me for stealing. Then I get to publicly shame him on my Facebook page? We expect Trinity to take up the cause with no limits. Is that the only solution? Trinity shouldn't be allowed to say no because they are a church? Finally, let me get this straight. Trinity should provide toilets? Now's there's a wish list? I can't be bothered to organize outdoor facilities, so my church should because they are wealthy. But it won't be Dr. Cooper managing or cleaning them of that you can be sure. The movement is moving toward something new, let it go where it needs to go with our without Trinity Church.

Alex Arzate (full disclosure, former Trinity staff on November 16, 2011

MY PRAYERS AND HOPES ARE WITH THE 99%

BARBARA JOSEPH on November 16, 2011

MY PRAYERS AND HOPES ARE WITH THE 99%

BARBARA JOSEPH on November 16, 2011

The future of open-minded faith is at stake.

Andrew Hunt, aka, @ahuntre on November 16, 2011

WHY I AM NOT A CHRISTIAN Cruel. And dumb. It's what we who reserve (occupy?) the first trine on the Abrahamist trinity mean by a goyishe kopf. One love (!?).

Lehman (the Levite) Weichselbaum on November 16, 2011

My prayers are with Trinity, the 99%, and the police. May the Lord bless and keep us all.

Peggy Roberts on November 16, 2011

My prayers are with the 99%. We have been sleeping for years, while the 1% have been looting our way of life. When the explosion of homeless shelters began in this city that should have told us that something was not kosher.

Jim Tempro on November 17, 2011

I am an Episcopalian in San Diego, but I was born and raised on the East Coast (including two and half years working in the NYC area) and I am troubled by these events as clearly so many are. I have been to Occupy San Diego four times and while I do not agree with all the signs/rhetoric that is found there, I support Occupy wholeheartedly. I believe deeply that the extremes of wealth in this country and around the globe are a sin in God's eyes. I believe that Jesus came to show us that we must live together as children of God, sharing what we own (loaves and fishes), loving, serving, and caring for each other. Wealth builds walls between us; the greater the spread between rich and poor, the higher the wall. I believe that is why Jesus speaks of the camel and the needle's eye. Occupy has drawn attention to this inequity and the spiritual poverty it reveals as nothing else has in recent memory--for that alone they deserve our unqualified thanks! So where does that leave Trinity Wall Street? As Christians we are urged not to judge until we have removed that ever-present beam from our own eyes, so I am leery of being too judgemental. I am sure there are extenuating circumstances (there always are) and that allowing OWS onto Trinity's property would be messy, perhaps of dubious legality (I do not know enough about the parcel of land in question and who in fact controls it), and would seriously displease some of Trinity's congregation. I do not know what I would do if I were in the rector of Trinity and I am glad that I am not. But I also know this, if the Church (not just Episcopalians, but all the Christian church) does not do more than simply pay lip service to the idea of social justice; if we do not get our hands dirty with the business of really attempting to right this profound social wrong, then we have failed Jesus. I think often of where we would find Jesus if he came back today. I fear he might not show up at my church in San Diego or at Trinity or at most mainstream churches. I think we would most likely find him with the homeless, the sweat shop workers, the sick and hungry around the globe (so much worse than in his day!) and yes perhaps at Occupy--not because he was a social revolutionary, he was much more than that--but because he loved these people and chose to live with them. He would have us do the same, knowing that if we did, our world would be transformed!

Phil Petrie on November 17, 2011

I think that the church should have acted for the greater good by allowing OWS freedom activist to stay on the property since it was not being used! The church has plenty of resources at their disposal to have found a place for them if thay had really wanted to. So your excuses do not have any ring of truth to them! Shame on you monied elitist so called church. I say what would Christ have done? He would have done the wright thing!

Jack Williams on November 17, 2011

Here is a list (below) copied from the Blog 'Faith in Public Life'. It is a partial list of the NY Faith Communities that have offered to help shelter the OWS people: •Rev. Dr. Jacqueline Lewis, Senior Minister, Middle Collegiate Church •Rev. Dr. Herbert Daughtry, Senior Minister, The House of the Lord Church •Rabbi Jill Jacobs, Executive Director Rabbis for Human Rights-North America •Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid, The Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood •Rev. Stephen Phelps, Interim Senior Minister, The Riverside Church •Rev. Dr. Donna Schaper, Senior Minister, Judson Memorial Church •Bishop Tavis Grant •Ven. Bhikku Bodhi •Debbie Almontaser Perhaps Trinity Wall Street could join this list. No one is saying that one church or group has to shoulder the whole burden of sheltering the OWS people, but the responsibility can easily be shared. If Trinity made a mistake one day it is easily corrected the next. AND Trinity HAS been helping the community at OWS in very big ways and that should not be forgotten. And yes, as the writer above said so eloquently, the OWS movement is showing us a fundamental 'shift in heart'. They are in a way our 'canary in the mine' and this canary needs shelter. The question has to be "How can we help?"

Yvonne Collery on November 17, 2011

To all involved, but mainly to OWS, Please do not forget that the powerful systems, processes and corruptions against which you fight, will all too quickly have taken root in your own community. The question of who holds wealth (money and all other forms) is fundamentally one of who holds power. No organisation, community, family, country or any other body of people, is exempt from this (unfortunately). Governments, Churches, Financial Markets, Police etc, are all, to some degree or other, corrupted by the struggle for power. As individuals we have many hidden motives that are played out in our interactions with each other. Our base desires for security, protection and comfort all lead us to seek power over others. It is my wildest hope and dream that we become aware of this unseen force and thus act to overcome it and to act for the good of all in justice and mercy. OWS may be part of that awakening - but only if it acknowledges the desire for power within its own community. I'm not in any way talking about a power struggle for leadership - but much more that OWS has claimed itself to represent the 99%. Taking this at face-value, OWS now needs to accept the awsome responsibility it has claimed and that as a community leader, its relationships with other body's and people needs to be respectful. OWS is not due automatic respect because it says it represents the 99% - it cannot take and take and take from all who seek to give support and care, and then in the next breath condemn them. We are locked into our desire for power - all of us - so condemnation gets us nowhere. I pray that all involved in this transition will be patient, merciful and generous towards each other - Police, Church, Protesters, Bankers - all are broken, in a broken world with broken systems. Let us be honest as we confess our own brokenness, that we may be patient, merciful and generous to all who do the same.

Martin Knight on November 17, 2011

The fact is that Trinity Church is in a difficult position - an extremely wealthy and powerful landlord in Manhattan yet called by Jesus to minister to the oppressed and poor. Yes, the wealth makes ministry possible, but it also corrupts. That is why Jesus said, " it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven." This was a response after a rich young man asked what he must do to enter the kingdom. Jesus told him he must sell everything he owns and follow him. The rich young man went away, sadly. The question is what one values the most. It is a question all congregations and church members must ask ourselves continually. If we value our property over people then we are answering like the rich young man. Wall Street clearly has it wrong. What about Trinity Church?

Cherie Boeneman on November 20, 2011

Perhaps the issue here is one of money but not as some people have suggested. Trinity may not want to get stuck with a potentially open-ended commitment to provide facilities, security, etc,. for protestors occupying their property. If that is the issue, I think it's reasonable for the church to ask for contributions in support of OWS. I'm certainly willing to contribute and believe others will as well. Trinity?

Garry on November 20, 2011

For a parish with the jejune position - well paid, I am sure - of “priest for welcome,” perhaps the Reverend Dr. Cooper would revisit his theology of inclusivity. It does not mean middle of the road. And while Father Cooper’s sermons approach social justice far left of the middle, his decision making regarding recent events simply reflect the fault lines of much of the Anglican Communion: we live very comfortably. And we choose when and where we will be uncomfortable, thank you very much.

Eric Hancock on November 20, 2011

I have questions for the Trinity clergy. Since you have been involved with this movement, since you have been by your own admission supporting it, how many working group meetings have you attended? I do know that there was an aborted spokes council meeting held at the 2nd floor meeting space but how many working groups meetings did you attend at the many atrium locations? Please cut out the nonsense about Charlotte's space being enough. When people were raided you did not provide a SINGLE BED.... I am interested in knowing that since Liberty square is in your "parish" and you operate on the parish model that all your neighbors are your responsibility, why it was that you did not have the occupy alert text that about 1200 other clergy had: that goes off when the occupiers were threatened by a very real brutal police force. Do you all think police brutality is a the violence reigned down upon protesters is/was not real? In other words, the night the park was raided do you realize that you did not know about it, and yet people from all over, and other clergy did. Yet you work right there and you knew nothing. In the midst of your listening and support for this movement you neglected to actually leave your building and connect to the movement in a real way. I am interested in how you feel about the fact that the Police came into your parish space, blocked off the whole area withing your direct locale and beat people up and down the block between St. Paul's and Trinity? How is it that nobody at Trinity has issued a seriously strong statement about police brutality when the Times shows a man with his arms out stretched on the gates of Trinity and a police officer poised to hit him with his billy club and then did. Where else have we seen state power arrayed against a man advocating for the least, the lost and the left behind be treated in such a way, his arms splayed in such manner? Dead Silence on that. Why is that this Church has hid behind its patronizing claims of "doing enough" in the midst of this movement when you did the bare minimum and then lauded yourselves without shame on your blogs etc, a claim that even though almost every occupier I have spoken to thinks you guys are a joke you cling to. I have heard the Rector say with great pride that he upholds in inviolate nature of private property, and that this is an unshakable belief. I have heard other clergy say of the desire of occupiers use 6th and Canal, "it will never happen" again and again, even to the point of saying "that spot is for developers". I have seen that despite the fact that Trinity clergy made no statement about police brutality, despite the fact that they knew that the space on 6th and Canal was being eyed by the Occupiers, that is a fact established 6 days before Tuesday the 15th, that once the space was entered upon they allowed people to be hit and stomped on by police even as the director of communications was on the phone with an occupier. Let me get this straight, they new the space was being eyed for occupation and a massive real estate company was surprised when it happened? No, that is not the way these things work. Lawyers were called, decisions were made, liabilities were considered and a decision was made as to how to proceed. Nice try gang but you ain't got a leg to stand on. Do you see the basic fact that at some point you can't sit on all sides of the fence. It is a specious and gutless position to position yourself as a mediator, a "conversation partner" when your institutional capacity to act locally as a church to those in real time need, real time duress betrays a VERY serious impotence. One thing I honestly did love is that you closed on the morning of the big wall street action and then the clergy were outside in Anglican cassock greeting the action as if they were supportive, standing behind closed doors. That move was defended as the "same thing we do when the Giants won" the super bowl!! LOL Wow, so a global movement for social and economic justice is to be treated like the Giants winning the super bowl?! To my young clergy colleagues who stood out there we have a new york saying for what you were doing, "you played yourself". You might have well as just stood out there in a monkey suit or something because that kind of buffoonery when done should at least have some imagination, make it playful! Lets face it guys, you dropped the ball big big time on this. It wasn't on you to save this movement, it was on you to actually be in it if you supported it. You made the classic trinity mistake...you took to your blogs and your media bs without considering the real stuff that was going on on your doorstep. You tried to be all things to all people and failed miserably. The civil rights leaders had to move there meeting away from your site Sunday because it just wasn't right to be on your property, but rather be in solidarity with the movement. Who would partner in dialogue with people who were not actually involved. I chatted with Phil Lawson from the elders council from the civil rights era. Do you know that he was involved, at 79, in shutting down the port in Oakland? That is being involved. What I look forward to is the Trinity Institute event that is going to be called some thing like "The Arc of Social Movements" or perhaps "Being Church in Troubled Times". That would be an interesting evening of invigorating explanation. You got exposed...accept the gift. So why critique Trinity so hard? Because this movement is about exposing the relationship between money, power and the disenfranchisement of ordinary people. So my colleagues have served mammon rather than God. I never expected much more, I can say I hoped for more though. My last three encounters with staff have left me deeply compassionate in some sense: what a bind to be so beholden to your job, to your standing that you lose all sight of our call to Justice and that you will just come up with any rationale. I ask only one thing of my brothers and sisters at Trinity. The day I let people being chased and beaten and slammed against my church gates unrecorded please let it be the day you come after me with serious ire. May I suggest you google C.R.E.A.M. by the wu tang clan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=15lmrWx8lLU ...it lays bare the dilemma. Sometimes the sword makes us move from the middle, you can't be all things to all people. Good Luck, maybe we can partner sometime down the road at an institute meeting :) By the way I look forward to the conversation you recorded without my knowledge being on your website in its entirety, I take the accusation of being a "troublemaker" by the rector to be a pretty solid compliment. At least send me the clip to put on my facebook page. Thanks! Rev. John Merz, Episcopal Priest on November 21, 2011

Rev, John Merz, Episcopal Priest on November 21, 2011

Power to John for being so brave to challenge Trinity...

martin deblar on November 21, 2011

John, well put! When I consider this past Sunday's Gospel and the previous readings on the Kingdom of God/Heaven, there is a huge disconnect. This could have been an opportunity for Trinity to step up and call all the stakeholders to the table to begin a dialogue on economic justice.

The Rev. Sheldon Hamblin, Episcopal Priest on November 22, 2011

To the Rev who wrote the novel up there - those words are unlike any Christian tongue I have ever heard. Such venom. First of all, as someone who has spent a good deal of time at Zucotti Park and on my feet carrying a sign at every march and protest I can get to, I for one do not take Trinity's letting us use Charlotte's Place as a joke. You have no idea how many businesses and restaurants in the neighborhood who have given us trouble or turned us away entirely. Charlotte's has swung it's doors wide, offering bathrooms (praiseworthy alone), internet connections, computers if you don't have your own, meeting spaces, warmth and dry out of the rain and compassion. That is not to mention the other meetings I've attended on Trinity property. I believe Trinity is being much more Jesus-like than you are. Much like Christ bore his cross and prayed for his enemies as they beat and killed him, Trinity remains peaceful and still in this time of tumult - a foundation that will likely serve us all as we move forward with this movement. You, Rev. John Merz, could take a lesson in Christianity.

Deena Thompkins - interested onlooker and WS occup on November 22, 2011

I am one of the early organizers of OWS and so I am familiar with what Trinity has done for us and what it has not. It has offered us usage of bathrooms and it has not restricted our use of Charlotte's place (a space open to the public anyway). It has used the protests to enhance it's image. We feel used, because we never though that such a wealthy Perish would say no to giving us space. You own so much property. You are so wealthy. The 6th and Canal space is not being used. The community wants us to be there. The future of the movement depends on outside space, a civic space that's transparent that can show the world that there is hunger for social and economic justice and equality. What would Jesus do? Really? Say no? Shame on Rev Cooper. A moment in history and the most that Trinity can do is less than what McDonald's has already done for protestors. Shame!

Amin Husain on November 25, 2011

When OWS asked Trinity to use space, they told us that we had to go through their bureaucratic channels and wait in line along with programs like AA. I have news for you. AA is awesome, but we're not asking for a room we can use several times a week. We are asking for use of a VACANT lot so that we can create an open forum for a movement that seeks to change the world. We need this space so we can receive the support of a community which is dying to get involved. We cannot sit on our hands and wait for a polite letter declining our request. What Trinity has done is say no without saying no, which is a political tactic to retain their tacit 'support' for OWS while doing the minimum to make with this support. The diocese supports OWS. The majority of Americans support OWS. How is it in your interest to sit in your castle and refuse the requests of the community? Consider this a request for 20,000 sq. feet of space to be used to change the world. We see this as a worthwhile investment. Again, this is an invitation. Join us! What side of history are you on?

Thomas Hintze on November 25, 2011

This letter was read to Trinity: An open invitation to the Rev. Dr. James Cooper, Rector, Trinity Wall Street Dear Rev. Dr. Cooper, We want to extend an invitation to you. We invite you to engage with a movement for social and economic justice that is taking hold across our country. This movement is part of a broader global movement to reclaim our humanity and our future. Today, we are stepping visibly into a revitalizing civic process. We are looking toward each other, realizing that we cannot fix the crises we face while isolated from one another. We need collective action. Collective action requires a revitalized civics, which requires new kinds of civic space. We are creating that civic space. This is the symbolic importance of occupying. We are asking faith communities to reflect on the question of what it means to occupy. What does it mean to re-enfranchise the 99%? What does social justice – a core tenant of our faith traditions – look like in our world today? How do we engage one another to move our society forward? For us, to occupy is to create civic spaces in an age when we desperately need such spaces. It is to collectively embody the spirit of liberation that we wish to manifest in our society. We are creating space for community, for ideas, for a meaningful dialogue that is not permitted within our current system. Liberated space is about breaking free of isolation. It is a new focus on community, trust, love and hope. We are creating spaces that prefigure an alternate vision for our world – a society structured to bring out our best selves, that encourages our responsibility to truly be our sister’s and brother’s keeper. We believe that a society based on social justice, equality, and mutual respect can exist. And we are actively working to create it. Outdoor public space has played a crucial function in encouraging this civic process, and encouraging open, transparent ways of organizing in our movement. As we have seen in Liberty Square, outdoor space invites people to listen, speak, share, learn, and act. We believe the building of walls both literally and figuratively separates and isolated us from one another. We hope that additional spaces will provide additional platforms for this bold new dialogue to flourish. We invite you to join us.

Thomas Hintze on November 25, 2011

As an organizer who has been at OWS since week 1 I am appalled by Trinity. There is a lot of misinformation they have been floating, trying to appear supportive while hedging their bets and answering to their real interests. We were in touch with Trinity on the 15th and they had the power to stay the violent hand of the NYPD. I saw the priests guarding the doors of Trinity Church on the 17th as my friends were beaten a block away. Keeping open the doors of Charlotte's Place isn't good enough. Trinity: you are the 1%, and unless you move quickly to support those fighting for social justice you will find yourself on the wrong side of history. The easiest thing you could do would be to allow us access to the 6th and Canal space, a space you have full control over and is not being used for anything else. We are not a mass of unmotivated, jobless kids complaining about nothing: we are smart, organized, and we are giving voice to a country under siege. Shame on you for sitting on your hands in the midst of this international, peaceful movement.

Andrew Huckins on November 25, 2011

I just would like to add to the dissent here. Trinity hasn't done enough at all, and they knew we OWS was being evicted two days before the Oct 15th raid and did not move to either resist or to provide political asylum for the occupiers. Churches who really understand the message of Christ do more to their brothers and sisters. If they fail to do that, they should be considered by the public as dead walls and chambers. Not churches of the Word

Atchu on November 28, 2011

Atchu -- Thanks for posting. To correct the record here: please note that no one at Trinity Wall Street knew of the decision to clear Zuccotti Park in advance.

Moderator on November 28, 2011

I fear Trinity is losing out on a tremendous opportunity to be on the right side of history. Please read about London's Bank of Ideas (http://www.bankofideas.org.uk/welcome/). It's easy to see the possibilities for charitable good presented by temporarily donating space to the cause of Occupy movement. Sadly, London's Bank of Ideas faces possible eviction before it has time to develop full programs for child support services, free adult education, social outreach, etc. With a single donation from Trinity, New York's equivalent could live on as a shining example to the world of what is possible when people work together for the common good. In today's market, there is no doubt some real estate holding somewhere in Trinity's portfolio that is unlikely to see immediate use. The church could lease such a building or undeveloped land at a short term loss. With this action, Trinity can show its support for the movement without otherwise sacrificing time and labor. Indeed, relocation of OWS meetings to the new space would allow the church to concentrate on its mission with fewer distractions. Since the occupiers would desire to renew their lease periodically, it would be in their best interest to keep the space in good condition and adopt rules similar to the Bank of Ideas in order to keep its visitor population civilized. In the longer term, the area could be reclaimed at the end of a lease or rented for market value to a movement that appears to be the recipient of increasing donations from supporters worldwide. Due to Trinity's historic real estate holdings and its support for charitable works in the common good, the church will be under increasing pressure to choose sides. Yours will either be the church that closed its doors in the face of great suffering - or it will be the church that opened doors for an enormous leap forward in global human rights. Regardless, I know the Occupy movement appreciates the support the church has provided so far. Trinity's heart is on the right side of history, whether its land is or not.

Stacey Leggieri on November 28, 2011

OPEN LETTER FROM THE OWS HUNGER STRIKERS TO TRINITY WALL STREET December 4, 2011 Dear Trinity Wall Street, Yesterday, we began a hunger strike at 12 p.m. on your vacant lot at Canal Street and Sixth Avenue. Today, 24 hours into our strike we were arrested on your property as we sat in peace. Upon release, we returned to Canal Street and Sixth Avenue to find three new hunger strikers had joined us. Now as six, the strike continues. We are striking to gain unfettered access to your site on Sixth Avenue and Canal Street until the proposed building begins on the premises. In the meantime, ask that you take the following three actions immediately: 1. Meet with a designated delegation from Occupy Wall Street to discuss a future, mutually beneficial use of this site 2. Allow a peaceful hunger strike to continue on your property without fear of harassment or arrest 3. Drop today's trespassing charges--and all past and future charges against us and other members of Occupy Wall Street incurred on this site Yesterday we were three. Today we are six. We appeal to the Episcopal Diocese’s sense of compassion and its respect for righteousness and peaceful protest. We are hopeful that Trinity will embody these ideals moving forward.

OWS HUNGER STRIKERS on December 4, 2011

I watched the Rev. Cooper and couldn't help but feel that his presentation was somewhat forced and that he wasn't entirely convinced of the righteousness of what he was saying. Dr. Cooper seemed almost apologetic and given the context of his presentation, I'm not sure he doesn't have a reason to be apologetic. If I may be so bold as to explain to Dr. Cooper that what us needed here isn't forced justifications for Trinity's position on Duarte Square. What's needed is an explanation of why a vacant square isn't accessible to the OSW movement. I don't think that's unreasonable. I think part of what makes Dr. Cooper nervous is the fact that he can't offer a responsible Christian explanation and so what we get instead is evasion and rhetoric. OK so we know Duarte Square in unavailable...but why?

Roger H. Werner on December 6, 2011

I am a lifelong Christian raised in an other mainline denomination and have long admired the Episcopal church for, in many instances, standing up for inclusiveness and the true Christian Gospel, sometimes even ahead of others. However, in this case, I am outraged by the church's wishy-washy response, which is apparently to put its concerns about offending some of its own wealthy supporters and donors ahead of social justice and the core message of Jesus. (How utterly typical for a Christian church, but disheartening nonetheless.) This should be a clear-cut case for the church, to support economic justice and the freedom for the OWS movement to speak out and not face police state brutality and violence. This is very disillusioning and shows why so many young people have chosen to leave the institutional church in all its forms behind. We can either choose between right-wing churches that pervert the Gospel message beyond all recognition, or you are left with wishy-washy liberal churches who want to make everyone feel okay, even the rich, at the expense of challenging the unjust and violent systems that prevail in our society. I don't live in NYC, but believe me this is being watched by true supporters of non-violent resistance and justice around the country (and world, I presume). I am in my 30s, but I don't know how much longer I can tolerate being involved with institutional Christianity. Wake up, mainline Christian churches. You are not going to out-compete the conservative churches in their bigotry and perversion of the Gospel. You can either preach and live out a radical and authentic, risk-taking Christianity of peace and justice, or you can sink into further irrelevancy for the younger generations. I'm not saying that you should make all your decisions to appeal to what younger people want, but I'm just saying that there are not very many options out there for young people attracted by Jesus's message of peace, non-violence, love, and justice but cannot find a church home. I guess the Episcopal Church (or at least the one particular church that has rebranded itself as the 'Wall Street Church') is not interested in relevancy to the present day or speaking the Gospel of Jesus, which sometimes involves speaking truth to power. There is still time for this particular church to repent its previous failures to support those who are brutally beaten down for preaching Jesus's message (whether they identify with the Christian label or not) and I implore them to reconsider. You know deep down what is right (I hope). Don't be afraid. If you make a courageous decision, though you may take a lot of heat from your wealthy supporters, you will have done the right thing and will be a beacon of hope for Christians around the world. Remember, of course, that Jesus got in a lot of trouble for preaching a radical message of economic justice and non-violence, and he ultimately went to the cross to be crucified by the authorities, the corrupt leaders of the 1% of his day.

Jeremy on December 8, 2011

The 99%ers need to get a job and work their way to 1% if that's what the want. Quit complaining. What is not your is simply not yours, til you earn it. Every 1%er was a 99%er at one time.

Will on December 9, 2011

According to Will (#46), "Every 1%er was a 99%er at one time." Really? That's a pretty bold statement, and flies in the face of a great deal of hard evidence which, on the contrary, indicates that social mobility in the U.S. has declined and is now considerably less than most European countries (for just one example, see http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/2/7/45002641.pdf). Granted, some 1%ers are came up from the 99%--though most of them likely came from the upper part of the 99%--but certainly a significant percentage, far higher than chance, were fortunate enough to start out in the 1%. It is time to end the spread of these ignorant myths. I suppose it is a sign of the weakness of the arguments against OWS that its detractors so quickly resort to such obvious falsehoods. (It is also a sign that this commenter apparently has no defensible Christian argument to make on this Christian church's website.) As a further note, I would hope that more members of the 1%, as some have, would view their good fortune as a reason to support paying higher taxes and contributing more to society as a whole, rather than spewing condescending insults and false talking points. Finally, I would like to comment that Trinity Wall Street Church has been handed an enviable golden opportunity to support a movement that acts out and advocates the Christian Gospel, on a worldwide stage, before the watching world. Few churches in the history of Christianity have had such an opportunity to witness to love of Jesus Christ and support for the downtrodden. It is such a shame that, despite some previous support, they seem to be missing that opportunity when the moment of truth came.

Correction to Will #46 on December 9, 2011

Is a Church, any Church a sanctuary for criminal elements to hide from Law Enforcement, no, Should a Church be available to those needing assistance Of Course, Trinity Church should not allow the occupation of its property, because it deminishs its ability to minister to the rest of the Community.

Mike H. on December 16, 2011

Jesus chased the money changers out of the temple. You have chased out the people who are protesting the same thing Jesus was protesting in his day. While it is true that the Episcopal Church does help the poor on occasion, it does have a reputation of being a church for the well- heeled upper classes. It is the church of the 1%. I understand your need to maintain your property and keep it clean for your parishioners but the Occupy Movement is a response to the horrible inequities of our society. To push them off at this time is to identify yourself even more with the 1%. Your location is next to the heart of all that is wrong with our society....Wall Street Jesus said, "Go, sell all you have, give to the poor and follow me. If all of us truly followed Christ and his words we would not be in this mess. It will continue to get worse and probably evolve into a full blown revolution as the rich continue to get rich and the poor and middle class get poorer. What side are you on? This is not going to go away with some police chasing the 99% away.

PAM on December 17, 2011

Dear Brethren in Christ, As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, I would like to rethink the opportunity you have been given to not just proclaim but truly live your devotion to Christ. Just as Joseph and Mary were shut out from the inn and sought refuge from the cold in lowly stable, you have before you a flock seeking refuge in your park. These children of God are standing for the values championed by our Lord. In searching to remove money from politics, they are pointing out the truth made in Jesus’ statement that “one cannot serve two masters.” In championing the cause of the poor and challenging the control of the rich, they are mirroring His concern for the wellbeing of the poor and His condemnation of those who pursue money. In striving for equality and justice, they carry on His desired mission. And as they are prosecuted and persecuted for their challenge of the unrighteous authority, they walk in Jesus’ own footsteps. I understand the politics behind the request and I appreciate the difficulty therein. But if walking in faith were easy, there would be no value in it. I also understand the protester’s own attempt to occupy the park has not made their case to you stronger, but Jesus Himself challenged religious leaders and was active in His civil disobedience as He drove the moneychangers from the temple. And though you may feel hurt, Jesus has also asked us to forgive our brothers. Finally, I know that there may be repercussions for your church for joining with the protesters, but Jesus Himself warned that to follow him was to invite the ire of the authorities He challenged. So I ask you to look into your hearts and to the Gospels, and ask yourself what Jesus would have you do. The course He would have for you is difficult, but if you could summon the faith, strength and courage to walk in His way, you will truly have the right to claim that your faith is true and lived, and you stand apart from those who claim His Name, but know Him not.

Zachary maichuk on December 21, 2011