I'm sorry, but this sounds like more self-serving rhetoric from an organization that is merely seeking to justify their business desire not to have OWS on their property, instead of trying to work with OWS to reach an agreement that Trinity and OWS could exist under. I don't see Christ or the Holy Spirit working here. Maybe OWS can find room in a stable nearby????

Kevin O'Keefe on December 9, 2011

OWS held a meeting at trinity tonight. How does the comment above make any sense?

Will Walker on December 9, 2011

I don't understand the concern with health and safety. Surely there could be a way to make the encampment safe. The issue seems to be the comfort level of Trinity Church. Following Christ should be an adventure that brings challenge and discomfort. Trinity Church has an opportunity here to live out the gospel in a refreshing and radical way.

Carlos Stouffer on December 10, 2011

The "sanctuary" sought by OWS in effect excludes anyone who isn't part of OWS. The Gospel applies to everyone of us, not just OWS.

Jan Hetterly on December 10, 2011

I appreciate the dilemma in which Trinity finds itself. Unfortunately, the visuals of the narrative are extremely strong to ignore. Our 1st Amendment freedoms are only possible by exercising values of empathy, responsibility (both personal AND shared), with strength. I am saddened that some sort of an arrangement for an ongoing OWS presence cannot be facilitated. As I said, the visual that there is no room at this inn, is pretty powerful. http://empathysurplus.com

The Rev. Chuck Watts, retired Episcopal priest and on December 10, 2011

Have you gone outside to speak with those on this peaceful non-violent hunger strike? have you shared with them your concerns - this group has not done anything violent . To judge the entire group in NYC by the actions of a few are unfair. They are very committed to non violence. In every facet of our country there are people who are going to be more radical and resort to actions the majority would not agree with. To generalize the entire movement as violent based on those few numbers is a complete mis-characterization. There were some that broke into the lot after the eviction at Zucatti Park. Emotions were high at that moment and perhaps that small group did not take the time to talk and think through their actions and the ramifications. They have since then appealed in all non violent ways toward the request to use this lot and have gathered support from all over the country from people of religious faith as well as people who are not religious. To not even acknowledge the sacrifice they are making right outside your door is not only a sign of complete disrespect - it's rude. Why haven't you even met with them to talk through the things that you feel? Each day that goes by that they sit outside not eating and you refuse to even acknowledge their efforts and existence is shocking. You have every right to make the decision regarding the use of your privately owned lot but your unbelievable response to this small group's commitment, personal sacrifice and attempt at a non-violent approach to this situation has not encouraged future non-violent approaches. As a mother of one of these strikers I am appalled at your unwillingness to show them even the respect of a dialogue.

Alison Udall on December 10, 2011

This is a public health and safety issue. Duarte Square IS JUST NOT safe for the OWS's intended purposes. There are NO amenities (access to bathrooms, food, water, basic sanitary conditions, heat, etc.). The traffic patterns in the surrounding area were recently changed affecting access to and from the Holland Tunnel. this would be a disaster waiting to happen. Trinity Wall Street/Saint Paul's Chapel has been in dialogue with the OWS folks since the beginning and has a long history of supporting social justice issues. And while we have every right to assembly and addressing the government for the redress of grievances, the government (and private citizens) just can't come in and vandalize and take over someone else's private property (thus compromising someone else's Third Amendment rights).

E. Hodge on December 10, 2011

Thank you Fr. Cooper for your reasoned approach. Just the idea of an "outdoor encampment" during the winter in New York City is patently crazy and to me, pointless.

Wayne Kempton on December 10, 2011

Why does it always come down to land, and the landholder's true and heartfelt desire to protect it above all else? You write: "We want to be responsive, while also being responsible, to our residential and business neighbors, partners, visitors and tenants-our entire community." Does Trinity try to control the behavior of those residential and business neighbors, partners, visitors, and tenants before it allows them the use of your spaces? It always comes down to the money, with the Gospel imperative taking a back seat again. When I was hired to sing in the Trinity Choir in 1990, on of the first things I was told was "They don't call them TrinCo for nothing." At the time I thought it odd, but over the three years I sang there, the meaning became clear as a bell.

Ana Hernandez on December 10, 2011

The last paragraph is unnecessary. In fact, I would have gone with just the third paragraph. The location is simply too dangerous for camping.

Mary Hunt on December 10, 2011

To those that say Trinity is being unfair: Just because protesters want that specific piece of property doesn't mean that Trinity must give it to them. Just because they sit outside the site and hunger strike, doesn't mean that Trinity must meet or talk to them. If someone decided they wanted shelter in your house, you wouldn't have to give it to them. If they had a hunger strike outside your apartment, you wouldn't have to talk to them. Do i think Trinity should have a more open dialog with the protesters at Duarte. Yes, part of me does, but that doesn't mean they have to. Also, aren't there other pieces of property that are not being used that they could ask for? I believe that part of their focus on that property is because it is owned by a church, so it is easy for them to make a case at how "unfair" the church is being. In my opinion, the movement should no longer be about occupying a piece of property. It should be about affecting change. OWS proved that they can occupy a piece of property at Zuccotti and then were kicked out. I am sympathetic to the issues that Occupy raises and I praise their courageousness. When Zuccotti was full, I walked by and was amazed at what questions and issues people brought up. It has created an incredible dialog in the country and the world. But it was a public park that was filthy and unsafe when i walked through it. When I walked by Zuccotti today and saw it sparkling clean, full of holiday decorations, and surrounded by imposing metal barricades with barely a person inside the "public park open to all," I felt terrible. I felt that I have witnessed the worst of America: that those who don't fall in with the corporate line are asked to shut up. And those that don't shut up, are asked to leave, and those that don't leave, are kicked out and arrested (not to mention their belongings "lost" or thrown out). Trinity is not doing those things though. I've walked by Charlotte's Place on Greenwich Street many times and seen it full of OWS protesters (if you don't know what Charlotte's Place is, or how it has been full for weeks, then I think it's unfair to comment). I've been in Charlotte's Place, a beautiful space for anyone to come in and relax and sit and think and eat or work. However, since it has been full of protesters, it is not open and friendly to others. The protesters take over the entire space, leave their things all over, bring in dogs, and even get in fights. I've never seen them consider - "oh, perhaps we should leave a table or two open for others, or leave some space for others. This in a space that has been opened freely to them for respite, bathrooms, meetings, and even forums where they can talk, and more. And what does Trinity get? A place that smells bad (and it does when it is full of protesters), is unwelcoming to others that might want to use it, and a place where fights break out. Fights. How is that being peaceful and thankful? And as a poster mentioned above, Trinity has, several times, opened their office building space to OWS for meetings. So it's clear that not all of OWS is represented by those protesting at Duarte. You say that your protesters are peaceful, but you open the space at Duarte and there will undoubtedly be fights like those at Charlotte's Place, and other crimes, as there were in Zuccotti. Also, Duarte is surrounded by one of the busiest traffic intersections in the city... the entrance to the Holland Tunnel. There would undoubtedly be traffic injuries. To say that Trinity is un-Christian is just plain hyperbole. Do some research and find out how much Trinity grants around the world, how many free concerts they offer each year, how many community services they provide, lunches they give out, connections and conversations they inspire around the world. There's video of it all over their website. Not to mention their work during 9/11 and the important historic property they own. Does Trinity have a real estate stake at Duarte? Of course. They own buildings around it. They have a $$ and tenants at stake, which could affect what they can provide for their programming and grant-making to others. Could Trinity do more? Probably. But so could Goldman Sachs. Why isn't Goldman required to meet and talk to the protesters, or give up some of their office spaces for meetings or some of their land? They definitely won't be offering pastoral care as Trinity has. Goldman and others are the ones that put us in the mess we are in. Not Trinity. Go after Goldman, Chase, and the others. Here's an idea for OWS to push: ask the government to require the financial institutions to donate a fractional percentage of their profits to education, particularly ethics as restitution for what they have done. It would provide billions. And it would teach ethics, which apparently is sorely needed. I am not apologizing for Trinity, but to cast them as a demon is just not correct. Do they own a real estate business that would be impacted by this? Of course. But that real estate profit funds good work. Socially just work. And there are examples of other good works being given short shrift. There were plans for a methadone clinic in the financial district that were recently scrapped because people didn't want it in their neighborhood. That clinic would help disenfranchised people but no one is protesting that decision. There are always 2 sides to a story. Trinity has done a lot. It can do more. So can many others. A piece or property to camp in during winter in one of the coldest cities in the U.S. doesn't make much sense. Put that energy toward working with Trinity by using the spaces they ARE offering to come up with real plans and inspire legislation that can help get this country back on track.

Jay on December 11, 2011

I think it is fascinating that even a small segment of the Occupy Wall Street movement has gotten fixated on Trinity. Of course Trinity makes money off the real estate they own. How are they going to pay for the meeting space and other extensive services Occupy has been using? Unlike "for profit" coporations, when Trinity makes money they spend it on community services here and abroad, not on stock holder profits and obscene salaries for executives. Occupy, please get back to focusing on your mission: calling corporate America to account. Literally! We need you. All the best. I'm praying for you!

Susan Michelfelder on December 11, 2011

Susan, I'm pretty sure Dr. Cooper's salary is obscene, for a parish priest in a dying denomination.

Joe on December 11, 2011

Bandito - it's not helpful to make broad statements like yours without providing any sense of where you got that information. Who said this? Where was this written? Is this your opinion? Provide context if you are going to provoke. Otherwise it is just ether.

Jay on December 11, 2011

Commenters are required to post under their real names.

Moderator on December 11, 2011

Even as a symbol, the Church could easily accommodate a tent or two or a few. This sounds a little bit too much like Mary being refused refuge for birth.

RB on December 11, 2011

I'm frankly confused by the exhortations for Trinity to share and show Christian empathy, provide sanctuary and even "room at the Inn" being tossed into the argument along with "dying denomination", "obscene salary" and "rude." Trinity has opened its doors, hearts and minds to OWS and to many, many others. It uses its resources to help and build. How is that "dying"? How does it show empathy to tell me and others that our denomination is dying? Most of all, why is the message of change and equality that many of us support being subordinated to a relentless campaign for tent space? If you want empathy, start by showing a little respect for others. Respect for our faith. Respect for our work. Respect that people are allowed to say "no" to your demands.

Mary on December 12, 2011

The hunger strikers should come over to Charlotte's Place. There is plenty of room in the inn, and usually weird hot teas, OWS or Lower Manhattan Residents like myself can find a little peace, certainly more than can be found on this message board.

LMR on December 12, 2011

It is at times like this (with some religious leaders lining up to bash one church for OWS) I realize that Mother was right when she said “if you notice, people of the Jewish faith and other faiths don’t publicly criticize their own.” This is something to think about - that everyone has an agenda, even the supposedly good-doing faith leaders. They want an ruffle some feathers at Trinity for the sake of love, peace and faith in human kind(?). Take a good long moment to notice that other faith leaders are not running up to the entrance of Trinity to say “we will take the protestors!” The absence of rebel faith leaders to voluntee to fully own the problem speaks volumes. The same way that people go to war and hide behind religion, these religious leaders will take up verbal arms and poison pens against their own for the sake of religion (hiding behind religion?). Read this to notice the insanity of it: Finally, OWS has asked ALL Faith Leaders to join them this coming Saturday, December 17th, for a day of “Re-Occupation.” They are asking for all to gather at 12p Noon at Duarte Park at 6th & Canal. Given the natural controversy of this, and the likelihood that this story will blow up in the media as of Saturday, it is important that we all have a chance to share information and consider our own involvement on Thursday. For my own part I will be supporting the OWS ask of Trinity, and we will be hearing from a few Episcopal Bishops and Priests as to why they will be as well. See you then. In the meantime, a day by day account of OWS activities can always be found at: http://occupywallst.org/ Best, Rev. Michael Ellick It would be really good for the OWS folks to encourage the rebel faith leaders to join another religion for a month or so and learn. Do onto others what you would have them do to you.

Faith Supporter on December 16, 2011

To those who would use the language of the gospel against Trinity Church, tell me, what private property did Jesus and his apostles occupy? Did Jesus preach the overthrow of the Romans, or did he instead preach the conversion of hearts toward God and personal repentance from sin? Christ cannot be reduced to "social justice."

JP_Fitzhume on December 16, 2011

I also have to wonder, after OWS succeeds in smearing the name of Trinity Church by way of this manufactured controversy, what sect or religion will they take on next? Is there a single church, mosque, or temple in this city that would be willing to hand over its outdoor space to such an amorphous and unpredictable association as OWS? And keep in mind that any such hand-over would by its very nature be unconditional, as there is no single natural or corporate entity representing OWS with whom one could enter into a legally binding lease agreement. This absurd side-show has no logical end. I am thoroughly disheartened that OWS now seems more intent on strong-arming one of its biggest institutional allies (for the mere sake of it) than on protesting against the architects of the financial crisis and working toward meaningful social and personal reform. The latter does not require the forcible occupation of someone else's land.

JP_Fitzhume on December 16, 2011

I'm an OWS supporter who's been active in the North Carolina movement -- and I'm also the son of a former Trinity priest. Suffice to say, I'm a little torn. Trinity has done a tremendous amount of good, and some of the accusations in other comments here are incredibly unfair. When the AIDS epidemic was first coming to light in the 1980's, Trinity was ahead of its time with the level of pastoral care it provided. The church may physically sit at the end of Wall Street, but it has always embraced people from all walks of life, no questions asked. Trying to force a controversial showdown with Trinity seems to me like choosing the wrong target. It cared for the 99% long before OWS arrived. I am disappointed, however, to see the health & safety argument being trotted out by Trinity...it's been a convenient tool in trying to suppress this movement. By preemptively warning that "this will never work," it sounds more like Trinity is saying "we don't want you here." If health & safety really are at the root of Trinity's concerns, then I'd like to see the church allow people to set up at Duarte Square and do what it can to ensure that basic amenities are provided. It would be a powerful gesture, and OWS is exactly the type of movement that Trinity should embrace. Here's hoping a compromise can be reached.

Chris on December 16, 2011

I don't know one person OWS has helped or will help. I never needed them to enlighten me on US Politics 101. I was laid off 3 years ago. Underpaid ever since and quite frankly, I got over it a year ago. I passed by Zuccotti park and it was a pigsty. I couldn't find one person that wanted to talk. Every sign said "DONATIONS NEEDED" every sign had a different obsure cause. Now that OWS raised all this money via their website...are they going to practice what they preach and SHARE. They're annoying and forgettable and five years too late...GOOD RIDDANCE

M. Gonzales on December 16, 2011

I would just like to thank TWS and Dr Cooper for allowing these comments to be posted, positive or negative. That says a lot to me.

Bill Miller on December 16, 2011

Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are the meek: for they shall possess the land. Blessed are they who mourn: for they shall be comforted. Blessed are they that hunger and thirst after justice: for they shall have their fill. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the clean of heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are they that suffer persecution for justice' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Jesus never preached in a Church, he preached in a park. Do the right thing Trinity. What Would Jesus do???

Paul Moore on December 16, 2011

It has already been proven that these slumber parties provide a breeding ground for sexual assault. Why would any corporation, church or person want to be a part of that? OWS will be cannibalized by their own participants after they learn how much money has been raised through the website. This spirit of entitlement will fall back on their laps.

Maribel Ruiz on December 17, 2011

I support Dr. Cooper and Trinity Church for making a thoughtful and prayerful decision on this matter. I also appreciate how generous and reasonable they have been so far. To the OWS protesters: yelling louder at the church doesn't make your position more true. It just makes it less likely that people of good will will take you seriously in the future.

Ken on December 17, 2011

Trinity has a fantastic opportunity here. The "no amenities near the park" excuse is pathetic; they should be thankful that they don't have to exist that way in order to wake our country up! Trinity Church's opportunity - their unwitting duty, if you will- is to simply allow OWS the space to do it!

Steve Barre on December 17, 2011

"This movement is too important to be shunned to the periphery, or rendered invisible—especially with Congress’ alarming attempts this week to suppress political dissent through the National Defense Authorization Act. As Christians we have a responsibility to protect demonstrators from our governments’ reckless use of militarized policing—as evidenced by the brutal beating off a Methodist pastor in Seattle on Monday. Furthermore, it is only by embracing and engaging that we can help ensure Occupy’s commitment to nonviolence, as well as contribute our share of the spiritual resources needed for this transformational long-term struggle for justice. And finally, by providing safe-haven we can help insure participation from those communities who are so often terrorized by law enforcement—especially African-American youth and Latino/a immigrants." From: http://www.episcopalcafe.com/daily/parishes/occupy_wall_street_and_the_epi.php

The Rev. P Joshua Griffin on December 17, 2011

In Jesus name do the right thing. Please read Psalm 82 too and be blessed.

Barry A Cravatt on December 17, 2011

The church could easily make an accommodation if it wanted to. The church should be supporting #OWS, it is the christian thing to do.

Joanna Tully on December 17, 2011

Trinity should not embrace OWS for the reason of staying out of politics. OWS has made their point and we all have heard their words. Time for them to go home and find jobs. If you can not find a job the easy way then i suggest you do it the hard way. I wanted a job so bad back in the 80's that i sumitted an application every day untill i was hired. 3 months it took me to get hired. I was persistant. I even suggest maybe trying to go to another state and seek employment. If you want to work bad enough then you would be willing to do any job for money . Hard work does pay off in the long run and i know from my experience's as a working citizen. I say leave the church out of it and find another spot to squat. If there was an occupy movement near my church then i would not go to that church (plain and simple).

PenPal on December 17, 2011

Trinity needs to focus on it's core mission as a church, not enter a divisive political debate in support of a violent movement that lacks clear purpose.

Mark Cahill on December 17, 2011

I think OWS should ask, and if refused move on... but I think all of this tells us a lot about about the "business" of modern religions. "The church's operations include an Episcopal parish, a commercial realty business and a grant-making organization." -- MSNBC News. Whatever happened to the: "Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's" ? Has the business of real estate transactions suddenly become ''HOLY" Religion and Love; or, maybe, religious authority, and the power, and the importance it holds? A far cry from "love your neighbor as yourself"? Or is it just the same greed that Occupy Wall Street is fighting against hidden in sheep's clothing? The "organizations" of religion are as bad as the greedy organizations of government, both lack love, but at least the governments do not hide it in hypocritical pious words that have transformed love into a contract that must meet its demands. How much property did Christ own? Yet you say you represent Him? Think about it, "God is love", but today's religions say: I will love you IF YOU DO AS I SAY Is that love? Is that the love in a child's eyes? I pity you.

AllWeNeedIsLove on December 17, 2011

I'm episcopalian and was read to criticize Trinity until a poster here reminded me that OWS has lots of money of its own. Good money it collected from good people like those who've accommodated them at Trinity. They can use that money to find ways of being more effective. The occupation of Zuccoti Park made their point. Now on to the next stage. Working on hearts and minds and that won't come from alienating the sympathetic.

Kim on December 17, 2011

This church showed grace, compassion and smarts by ministering to this city on 9/11. We all, even those who were just babies at that time, should stand back and be grateful for their sacrifice and their commitment to the Christian mission of compassion for the suffering. But this little church has done enough. To ask them and be refused is one thing. To assault them and invade the property is another. I am disappointed and sadly not surprised that these seeming "free thinkers" and "freedom fighters" are far more like the people that they protest about than they want to believe. A shame.

Allen on December 17, 2011

Occupy Wall Street, New York branch, or rather "trouble looking for a place to happen", is troubled that it can't happen to play the Jesus-in-the-manger card at Trinity, so what is left to do but play the GUILT CARD against the church itself. Occupy Wall Street, no matter how self-righteously it attempts to portray itself, is not the Reincarnation of Christ, Mary or the Holy Spirit, but a political movement with rather secular goals and a very myopic, Manichean world view of villains and victims that invites constant conflict with authorities and the law. Indeed, with the more than a few socialists and Marxists within the movement's ranks, brandishing demands for Christian charity like a club is rather cynical and manipulative.

Mac McKinney on December 17, 2011

Trinity Church has been handed one of the most amazing opportunities in history to stand up for Jesus Christ's message of justice and the empowerment of the poor and marginalized, and they are squandering it in favor of business as usual. What a shame. Hundreds of thousands of Christian churches across the country, and many times more around the world, will never have an opportunity like this for witness to the Gospel message. Jesus was not neat and orderly, and following Christ means taking risks--often major risks. The institutional churches go on and on about following Jesus, but few of them really mean it. If a church that seemed this apparently progressive and open-minded could refuse such an opportunity, then I fear that organized Christianity has become a hollow shell. At least there were more churches willing to support the Civil Rights Movement when it happened--though, on second thought, most of the white churches probably found excuses to stand on the sidelines or even opposed it (with some courageous exceptions, of course). Among other people my age (30s) and younger, I find myself an anomaly for still being affiliated with a church. Maybe I have just been a little slow to catch on--has the inspiring message of Jesus perhaps moved out of the institutional church and into the streets for good?

Jeremy on December 17, 2011

It's clear that Trinity has done the world considerable good. It's also clear that those providing the means to do that good must often have a troubled conscience - but then don't we all. The good a church does is often fueled with proceeds from individuals torn between the angels they admire and the demons that drive them in the often brutal wars of commerce. Not all commerce or businessmen are villains at work, of course. Still many relish being cutthroats 6 days a week. The church must choose whether to comfort the afflicted outcasts they wish to embrace - or to act in ways that afflicts the comfortable in the pews. The latter may be an impossible act - the most powerful parishioner has an awful lot of authority in any church. Perhaps an outside authority might make a decision based on the teachings of a higher authority here. If so many might be relieved who have no real ability, in relation to their daily pressing duties, to effectively confront those of the 1% to whom they must minister. The sanitation and other issues could be resolved easily - if a property owner wished to allow modifications for the duration of the use by OWS. In the much larger picture these are trivial issues. OWS could likely fairly easily buy a plot of land where they could camp. A small amount from many of their supporters could do that. But public space is a symbol for OWS. It would be damaging for the church to lose this chance to prove it is not controlled by those very powerful interests the church claims independence from. It seems to me unlikely they will win the huge symbolic victory providing OWS a space would mean for the church. The parochial interests are too entrenched. And if an outside force doesn't move this matter to a different conclusion than the current course we will see this outcome: Millions will see the church again as a place where the powerful assuage the guilt of their work with some good deeds even as they help ensure that the poor stay poor through a financial system they control. That is not a good outcome for the church or the faith! It is in far too few hands that outcome can be prevented.

Clarence Smith on December 17, 2011

While I agree that Trinity church has done a lot for OWS it is sad to think that there is "no room at the inn" at this time of year. Since you provide bathroom facilities elsewhere why not let them set us tents in the square? I wish St. Peter's RC church was doing their part but it doesn't seem so. EVERYONE has some excuse as did the innkeepers in response to Joseph's and Mary's request for shelter.

Betty Popp on December 17, 2011

"Trinity needs to focus on it's [sic] core mission as a church, not enter a divisive political debate in support of a violent movement that lacks clear purpose." 1) What could be closer to the "core mission" of a church based on the message of Jesus Christ than supporting a transformative movement for justice, advocating for the poor, and lifting up the downtrodden? 2) As for me, I'm glad that Jesus wasn't afraid to be divisive. When we make a false idol out of "not offending anyone" even those who are wealthy and privileged, we are doing a terrible disservice to the powerful and transformative message that is found in the Bible. 3) To call OWS a "violent movement" is a malicious falsehood and especially ironic given that it has been the victim of brutal and repressive police-state violence. The movement in general has been dedicated to non-violence from the very beginning. And they have maintained this, for the most part, despite tremendous provocation and very trying circumstances. Most of the examples of isolated "violence" that have been trotted out (e.g., cutting a fence) are nothing compared to the force brought down to crack the heads of the people put their bodies on the line for justice, peace, and equality (and even some of the media trying to cover them).

Response to #33 on December 17, 2011

I am sorry to hear you were unwilling to share your space with OWS. As far as unsafe , unhealthy and potentialy injurious, this sounds like an inditement of corporate America and our broken political system. The system OWS is fighting against on behalf of the 99% is in fact unhealthy, unsafe and injurious.

Chris Thompson on December 17, 2011

OK Trinity just what would Jesus do?? These are his people and you turn them away. Being Christian only when it is convenient doesn't work!

Thanks fo your help on December 17, 2011

I support Trinity Church! Follow where the Lord leads, do not give in to the demands of the world.

William Medlin on December 17, 2011

Great to see the church is living out the gospel. This is the main reason I am not religious. Religious organizations are almost always hypocritical and Trinity church does not disappoint. Repent.

Dan Bal on December 17, 2011

...COME ,,OWS...MIND YOUR MANNERS,,THE CHURCH IS DOING ALL IT CAN TO HELP U WITH WHAT THEY HAVE,,..YOU ARE NOT THE TOTAL FLOCK BUT A STRANGER PASSING BY PLEASE RESPECT THAT,,,TAKE SOME OF THAT 500,000 $ WE HAVE DONATED TO YOU AND YOUR CAUSE AND RENT A BIG WAREHOUSE ...LEAVE THE CHURCH ALONE OR YOU WILL FIND YOUR SUPORTERS ABANDING YOU...I KNOW I WILL...SIGN A OWSTREETER FROM THE STATE OF VIRGINIA...

BERKLEY CARTER MILLS on December 17, 2011

Is Duarte Square a part of the Churches parking lot or a Sanctuary of some kind? What exactly is getting vandalized ? Are you refering to a fence that was erected to keep people out?

James on December 18, 2011

If the other rights guaranteed in the first amendment are not fully supported; the right to freely exercise our religious rights will be equally diminished .

S F Carter on December 18, 2011

It is sickening to see some OWS extremists assault this church which has helped them and makes the movement look bad. Just because they are a religious entity does not mean they are obligated to support any subjective political agenda, which at this point is turning more into an purposeless mob. If you infringe on someone's rights like this, they should have the right to invoke the 2nd amendment on you. How would you feel if someone took your property? Stop being hypocrites, don't bite the hand that feeds you, and get back to the real message.

Realist on December 18, 2011

You don’t need to be religious to understand -and embrace- the idea that "Whatsoever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." But the 1%, in their blind greed and schemes, have forgotten and closed their eyes to this, and to what the word "society" should really mean. Because of Occupy Wall Street, we are finally talking less about CUTS and more about BLEEDING. Instead of demanding m-o-r-e budget cuts -to be borne by the middle class and poor- we are FINALLY focusing on the shameful bleeding that the poor and middle class has endured for all too long. Instead of talking about even m-o-r-e cuts in the taxes of millionaires....we are now talking about fairness and justice - about an economy and a political system that is increasingly run for the rich, and by the rich. Instead of talking about LESS government, we are talking about a government that WORKS FOR ALL OF US, not just a favored few. Thank you OWS, for reminding us that people -ordinary working people- really DO matter, and for helping open our eyes to what’s really going on in this country. Trinity Church should look deep into its collective soul, do the right thing, and help OWS. For I would bet my life, that if He were physically with us today...as He was 2000 years ago, He himself would be the FIRST to climb those fences, and occupy Trinity’s Duarte Square. Of this I am certain.

stan chaz on December 19, 2011