Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Rev. Tim Jones
When times are tough, and with nowhere else to turn, it is okay for people to shoplift in order to survive, according to the Reverend Tim Jones, parish priest of St Lawrence and St Hilda in York, United Kingdom. While presenting his sermon, Jones told his congregation that stealing is not “a good thing” or “harmless,” but it is better than turning to robbery, burglary or prostitution. If it must be done, Jones urged, then do it in large chain stores, and not smaller independents.
“I would ask that they do not steal from small, family businesses, but from national businesses, knowing that the costs are ultimately passed on to the rest of us in the form of higher prices,” Jones said. “When people are released from prison, or find themselves suddenly without work or family support, then to leave them for weeks and weeks with inadequate or clumsy social support is monumental, catastrophic folly. We create a situation which leaves some people little option but crime.”
Jones’ advice prompted the Archdeacon of York to announce: “The Church of England does not advise anyone to shoplift.” Local police called the sermon “highly irresponsible.”
-Noel Brinkerhoff
'Thou Shalt Shoplift' Says Priest (BBC News)
Full Transcript of the Sermon Given by Father Tim Jones, Parish Priest at St Lawrence and St Hilda in York (York Press)
A Question of Survival: Is It Okay for the Desperate and Destitute to Shoplift? (by Stephen Lewis, York Press)
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