Has the thief undergone a true Christian conversion? Has he sincerely repented of his sins, and in particular, this crime?
If yes, then its right for the pastor to declare the thief “should not wallow in jail.”
If NO, then the pastor should simply let the State, and God, judge him.
If yes, then its right for the pastor to declare the thief “should not wallow in jail.”
No. If he’s repentant the priest can and should forgive him and even help him to reform.
However, he committed a crime and for that he deserves the full punishment of the law.