"Jesus was Homeless"
Jan. 19th, 2006 03:00 pmFrom Christianity Today:
When Philadelphia officials began passing anti-homelessness laws, making it illegal to give food to the homeless, sleep outdoors, or ask for money, the Simple Way and other Christian community organizations protested in Love Park—a historic location and frequent hangout of homeless. They slept in the park alongside the homeless, held worship services, sang, prayed, and served Communion—in the form of pizza. When the media showed up with cameras and notebooks, the police were unwilling to enforce the new laws immediately—though Shane Claiborne and others were eventually arrested. [...I]n court, Claiborne wore a T-shirt saying "Jesus was homeless." Claiborne says in his book that an intrigued judge asked him about it.In the end, the anti-homelessness laws were overturned by the courts.
"Jesus says that the foxes have holes and birds have nests but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head," Claiborne told the judge.
"You guys might have a chance," the judge responded.
After hearing the case, the judge promptly found the group not guilty. She also asked Claiborne for one of his T-shirts.