LONDON (AP) -- Parish priest Tim Jones says it's OK to shoplift at times as long as you don't take more than you need -- but British police, retailers and clergy disagree.

Jones says people in desperate need may at times be justified shoplifting items from large chain stores. He serves a village in York 220 miles (355 kilometers) north of London.

He defended his comments Tuesday in the face of a firestorm of criticism, saying society is wrong to ignore the desperate plight of many poor people.

The Archdeacon of York, Richard Seed, has released a statement saying the Church of England does not condone shoplifting. North Yorkshire Police have followed suit, pointing out that shoplifting is a crime.

The British Retail Consortium also condemned Jones' views.

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