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St Paul's chancellor Canon Dr Giles Fraser 'to resign' St Paul's protest: Canon Chancellor Giles Fraser quits
(about 3 hours later)
  
The chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral is to step down from his post, the BBC understands. The canon chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral has resigned from his post.
Canon Dr Giles Fraser, who has been sympathetic to the protest camp outside the London landmark, is expected to announce his resignation within days. Reverend Canon Dr Giles Fraser has been sympathetic to the Occupy anti-capitalist protest camp outside which has forced the cathedral's closure.
Dr Fraser said on Twitter: "It is with great regret and sadness that I have handed in my notice at St Paul's Cathedral."
The Dean of St Paul's, the Right Reverend Graeme Knowles, said he was "sorry to see him go".
St Paul's, which closed last week, could reopen to the public on Friday. A decision will be made later.
Differences over the handling of the protest are thought to have prompted his decision, says the BBC's religious affairs correspondent Robert Pigott.Differences over the handling of the protest are thought to have prompted his decision, says the BBC's religious affairs correspondent Robert Pigott.
St Paul's, which closed last week, could reopen to the public on Friday.
The cathedral was shut over fears of "significant issues" with health and safety concerning the Occupy London Stock Exchange (OLSX) camp.The cathedral was shut over fears of "significant issues" with health and safety concerning the Occupy London Stock Exchange (OLSX) camp.
'Radical figure' 'Unique contribution'
When it was first set up, Canon Fraser said he was happy for the demonstrators to stay and asked police to scale back their presence. Dr Fraser, who was a former vicar of Putney, had taken up the post of with St Paul's Cathedral in 2009.
He has refused to sanction the use of force to remove the protesters as pressure mounts on the cathedral to join in legal action against them, considering it a resigning matter, our correspondent said. Following the resignation, Mr Knowles said: "Giles has brought a unique contribution to the life and ministry of St Paul's.
It is understood that Canon Fraser now considers his position untenable and is expected to announce his resignation from the governing cathedral chapter within the next few days. "He has developed the work of the St Paul's Institute and has raised the profile of our work in the City.
Mr Pigott said the canon had become one of the most radical figures on the Church of England's progressive wing, developing a reputation for tackling difficult issues head-on. "We are obviously disappointed that he is not able to continue to his work with Chapter during these challenging days.
He was appointed St Paul's canon chancellor in May 2009. "We will miss his humour and humanity and wish Giles and his family every good wish into the future."
A decision as to whether the cathedral will reopen is expected on Thursday. The post of canon chancellor is a Crown appointment.
The cathedral has claimed it has been losing £20,000 a day in donations since the camp was set up 12 days ago. £20,000 a day
When the camp was first set up, Dr Fraser said he was happy for the demonstrators to stay and asked police to scale back their presence.
He has refused to sanction the use of force to remove the protesters as pressure mounts on the cathedral to join in legal action against them, our correspondent said.
The cathedral has claimed it has been losing £20,000 a day since the camp was set up 12 days ago.
Demonstrators, who are protesting against corporate greed and inequality, have vowed to remain at the site for several weeks.Demonstrators, who are protesting against corporate greed and inequality, have vowed to remain at the site for several weeks.
The Dean of St Paul's, the Right Reverend Graeme Knowles, said he was optimistic about reopening after changes to the camp. Mr Knowles said he was optimistic the cathedral could reopen in time for the 12:30 BST Eucharist on Friday.
He said: "We will revisit the risk assessment in the light of any overnight developments and, subject to us getting the green light, we hope to reopen in time for the 12:30 Eucharist on Friday."
On Wednesday, London's mayor joined the Bishop of London in calling for the demonstrators to move on.On Wednesday, London's mayor joined the Bishop of London in calling for the demonstrators to move on.
Boris Johnson said: "With the greatest respect to their point of view, they have made it."
Legal advice
The Bishop of London said the demonstration had raised a number of very important questions but that the time had come for the protesters to leave.The Bishop of London said the demonstration had raised a number of very important questions but that the time had come for the protesters to leave.
But Tim Williams, from OLSX, said they had been working with the church authorities to move tents, reconfigure barriers and relocate the camp's kitchen to facilitate the reopening.But Tim Williams, from OLSX, said they had been working with the church authorities to move tents, reconfigure barriers and relocate the camp's kitchen to facilitate the reopening.
He said the organisers and officials were "all working together".He said the organisers and officials were "all working together".
On Friday, the City of London Corporation's planning committee is due to hear legal advice and decide whether to take court action against the demonstrators.On Friday, the City of London Corporation's planning committee is due to hear legal advice and decide whether to take court action against the demonstrators.
In response to this, Mr Williams said: "It's a minefield on the basis of who owns the land. It's a minefield on the fact that we have rights. In response to this, Mr Williams said: "It's a minefield on the basis of who owns the land. It's a minefield on the fact that we have rights."
"We have British rights to make comment and we have European rights to make comment.
"They're welcome to use their rights to try and stop us. We are quite clear where our situation is at."