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Can you believe that idiot? Show me what section of the bible that says it is okay to steal. Read on:

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.

Eleanor Course, a spokeswoman for Seed, said the archdeacon wants to meet with Jones to discuss the "appropriateness" of his sermon.



http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091222/...shoplifting_ok

I don't care how poor you are, shoplifting is just not okay, even at the big national chains. It is true that these huge stores rack up high profits every year but that doesn't justify anyone going in there to steal their merchandise. This priest must be out of his mind for even suggesting that it is acceptable for poor people to go out and steal things from them.

Shoplifting a small piece of merchandise and robbing the whole store is a sin that is equal in the eyes of God. Both are stealing. No matter how big or small you stole, it is still stealing; and therefore a sin. No matter how poor a person is, he/she must know right from wrong. God will bless his children who follow his commandments.

This priest definitely has a problem. He should be suspended from preaching in church. Non-believers who listens to his false teachings may get the wrong signals. It is scary.