Story Archive

Freak of Nomenclature, Social Justice Division

Saint Mary’s Cathedral, the home of the Archdiocese of San Francisco, Calif., has been ordered to remove a sprinkler system it had installed in its doorways. The purpose: to chase away the homeless, who had taken to sleeping in the sheltered alcoves. “They actually have signs in there that say, ‘No Trespassing’,” grumped a homeless man. The water came on for 75 seconds every 30 to 60 minutes overnight to drench anyone sleeping there. Saint Mary’s rector, Bishop William Justice, said the system has been in place for two years “as a safety, security and cleanliness measure,” and apologized for the “ill-conceived” idea. The city gave the church 15 days to remove the system, saying it was against building and safety codes. (RC/CBS San Francisco) ...“Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.” —Jesus, in Matthew 25:41-43.
Original Publication Date: 05 April 2015
This story is in True’s book collections, in Volume 21.

Is There a Problem on This Page? Let Me Know using the Help button lower right, and thanks.

I believe humanity is held back by the lack of thinking. I provoke thought with examples of what happens when we don’t think, and when we do. This is True is my primary method: stories like this come out every week by email, and basic subscriptions are free. Click here for a subscribe form.


Search for:

Category: