A new addiction

Olivian Wannan at Dom Post reports:

The new Anglican Dean of Wellington will have no problem preaching on the parable of the prodigal son – he has a story of redemption almost as compelling.

The Rev Digby Wilkinson, 49, had his own fall from grace in 2003 when he was convicted of theft, insurance fraud and burglary.

He was sentenced to 175 hours’ community service, and resigned from his role as minister of the Otumoetai Baptist Church in Tauranga.

So why was he a thief, fraudster and burglar?

The offending stemmed from his addiction to buying mountainbikes, leaving him struggling to service debt.

Well that is a new addiction. I look forward to that being added to DMS-IV!

He was ordained in 2006. In another unusual twist for an Anglican, he has been a leader of the Palmerston North Central Baptist Church since 2007.

Once upon a time I would have thought being a baptist and a burglar might might you ineligible to be the Anglican Dean of Wellington.