Shoplifting OK at times: Priest

An English priest is giving some unconventional holiday advice shoplifting may be OK. Rev. Tim Jones was rebuked by fellow clergy and shop owners Tuesday after delivering a Sunday sermon in which he said it was sometimes acceptable for desperate people to shoplift from large chain stores.

From his pulpit at the Church of St. Lawrence in York,355 km north of London,Jones told his congregation that shoplifting can be justified if a person in real need is not greedy. The remarks sparked a firestorm of protest,and a summons from Archdeacon of York Richard Seed,who said in a statement posted on his web site on Tuesday that the church rejects the view that shoplifting can be acceptable.

The Church of England does not advise anyone to shoplift,or break the law in any way, he said. A spokeswoman for Seed said the Archdeacon wants to meet with Jones to discuss his sermon.