Activist Priest Sue Parfitt barred from preaching after Magna Carta vandalism

Reverend Sue Parfitt, an 82-year-old Anglican priest, has been barred from preaching by the Church of England following her involvement in a protest that allegedly damaged the Magna Carta at the British Library on May 10. Parfitt, along with 85-year-old Judith Bruce, is facing charges of criminal damage after they reportedly used chisels and a hammer on the protective casing of the historic document, which is a cornerstone of British legal history. The incident has drawn significant media attention and public outrage, being labeled as 'reckless vandalism.' The Diocese of Bristol has confirmed that Parfitt is not allowed to conduct any church services while facing these charges. Her application to renew her permission to officiate was rejected by the Bishop of Bristol, Rt Rev Vivienne Faull, which Parfitt claims is an attempt to silence climate activism within the church. She argues that the church's actions reflect a broader societal trend of suppressing dissent against the fossil fuel industry. Parfitt has been an active participant in various environmental protests, including actions with Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain. She has expressed her commitment to climate activism, stating that her legal battles are part of a larger struggle against industries prioritizing profit over environmental and human welfare. Her stance has sparked discussions about the role of religious figures in social justice movements. The Magna Carta, a document established in 1215, symbolizes the principle that no one, including the government, is above the law. The ongoing legal proceedings against Parfitt and Bruce will likely continue to attract attention, raising questions about the intersection of faith, activism, and the law.