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Yorkshire: Priest defends shoplifting sermon
A parish priest from York who advised needy people to shoplift in certain circumstances has defended his remarks.
Father Tim Jones, parish priest of St Lawrence and St Hilda, said in a weekend sermon that stealing from large national chains was sometimes the best option many vulnerable people had.
Speaking to GMTV he said: "I have never said it is OK to steal. It is a dreadful thing to steal." However, he added that the bigger companies suffered "less harm" from shoplifting than smaller businesses.
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And he accused the larger businesses of contributing a "pitiful" amount to charity.
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Asked about the impact of stealing on the bigger retailers, he said: "The harm caused is somewhat less. Many (small businesses) in the current climate are struggling in the most desperate way."
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Talking about the situations of certain vulnerable people, Fr Jones told his congregation on Sunday: "My advice, as a Christian priest, is to shoplift."
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His comments were not endorsed by the Venerable Richard Seed, Archdeacon of York.
He said: "The Church of England does not advise anyone to shoplift, or break the law in any way."
A North Yorkshire Police spokesman also said: "First and foremost, shoplifting is a criminal offence and to justify this course of action under any circumstances is highly irresponsible. Turning or returning to crime will only make matters worse, that is a guarantee."
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Saturday 26 May 2012
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