LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - Fraser had been supportive of the Occupy London Stock Exchange protest camp, which led the cathedral to close its doors last week for the first time in decades.

As of Fraser's decision, the Dean of St. Paul's, the Right Rev. Graeme Knowles said that the cathedral would be "very sorry to see him go," but did not elaborate on his decision.

Protestors at the Occupy London Web site said they were "deeply moved" by Fraser's resignation.

"From the moment Occupy London arrived at St. Paul's Churchyard he respected our right to protest and defended it," the post read.

"For that we are very grateful, as he ensured that St. Paul's could be a sanctuary for us and that no violence could take place against peaceful protesters with a legitimate cause - challenging and tackling social and economic injustice in London, the UK and beyond."

Knowles said he was optimistic the cathedral might be able to reopen after changes to the way the tent city, which sprang up outside two weeks ago, was laid out.

"The staff team here have been working flat out with the police, fire brigade and health and safety officers to try to ensure that we have confidence in the safety of our worshippers, visitors and staff which will allow us to reopen," he said in a statement.

Knowles says the church believes in the right to peaceful protest, but had asked the protesters to move on. He said the church was consulting lawyers on measures it could take, including court action.

The cathedral, which normally welcomes thousands of visitors daily, would be closed until further notice because of "practical and safety issues," including a fire risk from stoves used by protestors.

The Evening Standard quoted London Mayor Boris Johnson Thursday as calling for new laws to prevent tent cities "erupting like boils" across London, and telling the activists: "In the name of God and Mammon, go."

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