A Pilgrimage for Justice

On June 7th, people of various faiths, together with those of no religious persuasion, will be embarking on a trek from St Paul’s Cathedral to Canterbury to raise awareness about the pressing need for social and economic justice, environmental sustainability and true democracy. The pilgrimage has been arranged by Occupy Faith UK, an autonomous group inspired by the juxtaposition of church, city and Occupy camp at St Paul’s.

Publicity surrounding the camp roused many people of faith from a spiritually-aware but politically slumberous state. ‘What would Jesus do?’ became a rallying call as Christians began asking one another: ‘Whose side are we on?’. Faith groups including Quakers and the United Reformed Church of Wales gave their endorsement to the Occupy movement. The St Paul’s Institute, set up to encourage ethical responses to economic and social issues, attempted to engage with those in the camp. Meetings between bishops and rough-sleepers made good publicity, but came to nought and upset some who were worried about the danger of being co-opted.

The Pilgrimage for Justice is hoping to tackle some of those fears. Tanya Paton, one of the organisers, explains: “The march is intended to reach out to middle England and all of the 99 percent. Almost half of the British population consider themselves to have a faith, even if they practise it rarely and have little to do with organised religion.” Tanya emphasises that the Occupy Faith group has no interest in proselytising; they simply wish to engage those of faith, encourage activism and pursue a better future for all.

Not all activists are convinced that the Occupy Faith group is on the right track. Some would prefer not to mix religion with politics, arguing that most faiths have little in common with the Occupy movement’s egalitarian ethos, since, as an Occupied Times editor once exclaimed: “You can’t get much more hierarchical than gods!” However, Tanya Paton argues that encouraging all groups to be part of the conversation does not equate to endorsing any particular belief or practice. To date, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Quakers and Hare Krishnas have joined the conversation.

The walk will take two weeks. Poets and musicians will be amongst the pilgrims to entertain and enlighten audiences along the way. Participants will camp en route and have been invited to join local faith groups, including a Sikh community at the gurdwara in Gravesend, for meals and discussions. The trek will culminate in a conference at Kent University in Canterbury, 20-22 June. All are welcome to join the walk, a passion for justice being the only requirement

By Emma Fordham