Remember the story about the Anglican priest, Fr. Tim Jones in York, who advised poor people to ignore one of the commandments of the Decalogue and go ahead and steal?
There has been a development in Father’s life.
A reader tipped me to an article in The Guardian:
A priest who advised poor people to shoplift was showered with a bucket of pasta for making the remarks, the Church of England confirmed today.
The Rev Tim Jones, from St Lawrence and St Hilda in York, attracted harsh words earlier this month from the police and a former archbishop of Canterbury for telling his congregation it was acceptable for the needy to steal to feed their families.
But there came a very different rebuke last weekend, when a man approached the priest outside the church and threw 30 tins worth of ravioli and spaghetti on him. The contents of the bucket may well have been inspired by Jones himself, who said he would "rather that people take an 80p can of ravioli rather than turn to some of the most appalling things". [Jones’ mistake was to suggest stealing ravioli. If he had suggested robbing a bank, maybe someone would have thrown a box of money at him!]
Martin Stot, 48, thought the priest’s comments could encourage young people to steal and decided to take action. He told York Press: "One theft could be on their record for 10 years. It would be difficult for them to get a job. I was just offended by what he said. I thought I would make my own little protest." He bought the canned pasta from Asda and hid in a phone box until the priest emerged from the regular Sunday service.
In the controversial sermon, given the week before Christmas, Jones said society had failed many needy people and it was far better that they shoplift than turn to more degrading or violent options such as prostitution, mugging or burglary.
Okay folks, get out there are start robbing banks!
