by Gregory Katz
Associated Press/CNSNews.com
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
London (AP) – For a priest in northern England, the commandment that dictates “thou shalt not steal” isn’t exactly written in stone.
The Rev. Tim Jones caused an uproar by telling his congregation that it is sometimes acceptable for desperate people to shoplift – as long as they do it at large national chain stores, rather than small, family businesses.
Jones’ Robin Hood-like sermon drew rebukes Tuesday from fellow clergy, shop owners and police.
From his pulpit at the Church of St. Lawrence in York, about 220 miles (355 kilometers) north of London, Jones said in his sermon Sunday that shoplifting can be justified if a person in real need is not greedy and does not take more than he or she really needs to get by.
The remarks drew a summons from Archdeacon Richard Seed, who said on his Web site that the church rejects the view that shoplifting can be acceptable.
“The Church of England does not advise anyone to shoplift, or break the law in any way,” he said.
“Father 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. There are many organizations and charities working with people in need, and the Citizens’ Advice Bureau is a good first place to call,” Seed’s statement said.
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