Jesus forgives when sins are confessed. Jesus never said there would not be consequences for our sins but forgiveness. God loves man but hates sin. the question is why did the man steal? was his family hungry or something or did he do it out of greed or lust. he could be hurting very bad and need the money or he could be a professional theif.

I see your point madcap.  There are two sides to this indeed. He broke the laws of our society and should be punished according to that law. The second aspect is that he sinned against the Church. If given the opportunity the Church could and should forgive him as God’s Word instructs.  God requires us to forgive or else our sins will not be forgiven.
- Matthew 6:14
“For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”

We can always forgive him but he still owes a debt to society. If you make a habit of forgiving people with no reprocussions then you might as well roll over and give up. Hope this was well said also.

well said 2Bor

I hope they do not press charges, but forgive him and maybe invite him to come to services.  If Jesus could look down from that Cross after what they did to Him and say “Father forgive them”, I think we can forgive this man.  How can we ask God to forgive us and yet we ourselves forgive no one?  Forgive him.

he did not take it from a church, the man stole from God. better he go ahead and turn himself in.

200 pounds? That’s a pretty generous estimate from the looks of that photo.

Stealing from a church!  He’s the lowest of scum.  I hope they catch this creep and lock him up and throw away the key.

when they catch this idiot, they should tell him that there is more money in the banks unless his suits come from the thrift store.  what a pitiful person this is.  hopefully he will ask for forgiveness before his last breath.  i am glad i am not his judge in life.