Posted on 12/23/2009 1:33:21 PM PST by SeekAndFind
A Church of England priest has found himself at the center of controversy after he told his congregation it was morally justifiable for the poor to shoplift.
Father Tim Jones of St. Lawrence and Hilda Church in York said this week that he did not believe it was right for people to shoplift but maintained it was the “least worst option” for people in desperate situations.
He gave the example of prisoners being released from prison without benefits or other financial assistance, saying it was for better for people in such circumstances to turn to shoplifting from large retailers rather than prostitution, mugging or burglary.
“My advice does not contradict the Bible’s eighth commandment because God’s love for the poor and despised outweighs the property rights of the rich,” he said in a sermon Sunday.
A spokesman for supermarket chain Asda, in response, argued that shoplifting affected hardworking store staff more than the rich.
“Maybe Father Tim Jones could repeat his sermon at our York store and see what reaction he gets?” he was quoted as saying by the York Press. “He’s one psalm short of a sermon!”
Jones was also criticized by the North Yorkshire Police, who reminded the priest it was a criminal offence to steal. A spokesperson for the force was quoted by the Metro as saying it was “highly irresponsible” of a priest to “justify this course of action under any circumstances”.
Speaking on behalf of the Anglican Diocese of York, Archdeacon of York the Venerable Richard Seed said the Church of England “does not advise anyone to shoplift or break the law in any way”.
“Fr. Tim Jones is raising important issues about the difficulties people face when benefits are not forthcoming, but shoplifting is not the way to overcome these difficulties,” he said.
“There are many organizations and charities working with people in need, and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau is a good first place to call,” Seed added.
Remember in the old days,, the priest would ask for donations, or try to find ways to help the poor? Now they teach them to steal, to violate a commandment.
We’re down to only 9 commandments now?
Proverbs 30:8
"Keep deception and lies far from me, Give me neither poverty nor riches; Feed me with the food that is my portion, That I not be full and deny You and say, 'Who is the LORD?' Or that I not be in want and steal, And profane the name of my God."
Thou Shalt Steal:
http://market-ticker.denninger.net/
parsy, who wonders who the thieves are sometimes
Think I’ll go to this guy’s church and steal from the collection plate, I’m sure he won’t mind.
Inspector Javert, your services are requested at the local bakery!
Perhaps he is following the lead of the people in Washington who are about to shove this health insurance plan down our throats.
that is just another personal subjective feeling by a vile emotionalist liberal that contradicts both reason and revelation
I think stealing from a Wal-mart of Target is more morally justified than this health care bill. In I welcome people to try to steal from my store much more than voting in politicians that make it legal. I will watch my store, and will prosecute anyone who dares to steal from me, but at least they have the courage to do it while I watching.
Priest;
shoplifting ok,
Homosexuality ok,
Pedophelia ok,
Priest theft ok
Great moral leaders.
There is no controversy here.
He has made it plain that he doesn't believe in God, and that his "church" is not a church.
Once God departs the building, what remains is empty and irrelevant.
Granddad was reminiscing about the good old days.....................
“When I were a lad, Momma would send me down to t’corner store wi’ a dollar, and I’d come back wi’ five pounds o’ potatoes, two loaves o’ bread,
three pints o’ milk, a pound o’ cheese, a packet o’ tea, an’ ‘alf a dozen eggs.
Yer can’t do that now.
Too many damn security cameras.”
Ya can if you are a new orleans cop.
And if one of his parishioners follows his advice and gets in trouble?
Indeed, rely on the state or stealing, and not each other - or the Lord for that matter.
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