NOTLONGNOW
“my advice, as a Christian priest, is to shoplift.”
FATHER Tim Jones, a York vicar, recently told his congregation “My advice, as a Christian priest, is to shoplift.”
He claimed that shoplifting from national chains was sometimes “the best option for the vulnerable”.
UK society had failed many needy people, making it “far better that they shoplift than turn to more degrading or violent options such as prostitution, mugging or burglary”.
Father Tim denied that stealing is a good thing, or harmless.
But he said “shoplifting is the best option that some people are left with,” describing this as “a grim indictment” of “a situation which leaves some people little option but crime.”
His comments were not endorsed by the Church of England, who recommended the “many organisations and charities working with people in need, and the Citizens Advice Bureau” as a more positive approach for those trapped in poverty.
But it was acknowledged that there are “important issues about the difficulties people face when benefits are not forthcoming.”
The Jesus Army sees itself as a “church of the poor”.
Not just “for the poor” in a patronising way; the Jesus Army seeks to include everyone in God’s great alternative society, His church.
That is why some Jesus Army members live and share together in Christian community. Tags like “rich” and “poor” no longer apply when all is shared and life is kept simple.
It is also why the Jesus Army has established Jesus Centres as “places of worship, friendship and help for every kind of person”.
Visitors to one of the Jesus Centres – in Coventry – speak about how they see the place:
“It’s a great place to make new friends” and there’s “always someone to talk to about emotional problems”. “Confidentiality is helpful.”
“I’d end up topping myself if I couldn’t come here” confided one person.
The best answer to poverty is not crime – of any kind. Nor is it only to be found in impersonal organisations. Come and be part of church: it’s God’s answer, through Jesus, to all human need.
“my advice, as a Christian priest, is to shoplift.”
FATHER Tim Jones, a York vicar, recently told his congregation “My advice, as a Christian priest, is to shoplift.”
He claimed that shoplifting from national chains was sometimes “the best option for the vulnerable”.
UK society had failed many needy people, making it “far better that they shoplift than turn to more degrading or violent options such as prostitution, mugging or burglary”.
Father Tim denied that stealing is a good thing, or harmless.
But he said “shoplifting is the best option that some people are left with,” describing this as “a grim indictment” of “a situation which leaves some people little option but crime.”
His comments were not endorsed by the Church of England, who recommended the “many organisations and charities working with people in need, and the Citizens Advice Bureau” as a more positive approach for those trapped in poverty.
But it was acknowledged that there are “important issues about the difficulties people face when benefits are not forthcoming.”
The Jesus Army sees itself as a “church of the poor”.
Not just “for the poor” in a patronising way; the Jesus Army seeks to include everyone in God’s great alternative society, His church.
That is why some Jesus Army members live and share together in Christian community. Tags like “rich” and “poor” no longer apply when all is shared and life is kept simple.
It is also why the Jesus Army has established Jesus Centres as “places of worship, friendship and help for every kind of person”.
Visitors to one of the Jesus Centres – in Coventry – speak about how they see the place:
“It’s a great place to make new friends” and there’s “always someone to talk to about emotional problems”. “Confidentiality is helpful.”
“I’d end up topping myself if I couldn’t come here” confided one person.
The best answer to poverty is not crime – of any kind. Nor is it only to be found in impersonal organisations. Come and be part of church: it’s God’s answer, through Jesus, to all human need.