Another Anglican Faux Pas

     It appears the Anglican church is getting its share of publicity this holiday season. In recent posts I dealt with the controversial billboard of Joseph and Mary sponsored by an Anglican church in New Zealand.

     This new controversy springs from the Church of St. Lawrence, an Anglican congregation in York, England.

     The Reverend Tim Jones transitioned from his seasonal sermon of Mary and the birth of Jesus to a discussion on the poor and vulnerable.

     During his speech Father Jones advised his congregation to shoplift: stipulating that shoplifting from a large retail chain was preferable to prostitution, burglary, or robbery.

     Jones furthered informed his parishioners that it would not break the "thou shalt not steal" commandment, because it "is permissible for those who are in desperate situations to take food that they might not starve."

     "I do not offer such advice because I think that stealing is a good thing, or because I think it is harmless, for it is neither," states Jones.

     He is further quoted as saying, "I would ask them not to take any more than they need. I offer the advice with a heavy heart. Let my words not be misrepresented as a simplistic call for people to shoplift."

     Naturally, these and the rest of his statements were quickly comdemned by the local constabulary.

     Anne McIntosh, the Tory MP for Vale of York, said: "I cannot condone inciting anyone to commit a criminal offense."

     Likewise, Archdeacon Richard Seed, states: "The Church of England does not advise anyone to shoplift, or break the law in anyway."

     Rev. Jones may honestly feel his advice springs from compassion for the poor and destitute, but that does not absolve him from misusing his position of spiritual authority by not only condoning, but encouraging his parishioners to commit criminal acts.

     Furthermore, his insistance that stealing is "permissible" is not entirely factual. God's word does state:

     Men do not despise a thief, if he steals to satisfy his soul when he is hungry; --- Proverbs 6:30

But it goes on to say:

     But if he be found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the substance of his house. --- Proverbs 6:31

     Is that really what Rev. Jones thinks is the best option for the poor and destitute? After all, it is highly unlikely that his parishioners are professional thieves. Therefore, for those desperate enough to take his poor advice, how many will get caught and find themselves in a worse situation than before?

     Jail time, costly fines, a criminal record: making a wrong choice during a tough time when temptation is great can quite easily ruin the rest of their lives.

     Similarly, Jones would not be on the proverbial hot seat, if he had not made his own foolish choice to take God's word out of context, and publicly proclaim it as fact.

     Someone close by him needs to remind Rev. Jones that "the lesser of two evils" is still an evil choice. It is far better to put forth the time and effort into discovering a positive alternative.


[Primary facts and quotes came from a Chris Brooke article in dailymail.co.uk.]