The Open Wound

The Vatican has warned Roman Catholics that buying relics is sacrilege, after reports that pieces of former Pope John Paul II’s clothes were for sale online.
The website of the Holy Diocese of Rome has been offering small pieces of John Paul II’s white cassock as part of the campaign to beatify him.  But the site was inundated with requests after reports suggested pieces of the robe were available to buy.

In a similar move the Church of England has been selling clippings from Dr Rowan Williams impressive beard on ebay.  Rumours that hair would be taken from other parts of his body if his beard ran out were dismissed as hairsay. 
“I wouldn’t lower myself to that,” said Dr Williams.