Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.
Hats off to the diocese of Sioux City for taking the initiative and appraoching a man slated to sell a consecrated host for $2,000 on eBay.
Monsignor Roger J. Augustine, administrator of the Diocese of Sioux City, met with the seller Friday and was advised that the sale would not be consummated. According to Msgr. Augustine, the seller deeply regretted the effort to sell the Eucharist and extended a personal apology to him, the Diocese and any others who had been offended by the E-Bay listing. Because the transaction never materialized, there was no money exchanged or received.
Shame on eBay for a lack of consistency in their policies:
The online marketer forbids the sale of religious items of Native origin. The E-Bay "Prohibited and Restricted Items" overview notes under "Artifacts" that Native American "gravesite-related items, and burial items may not be listed on eBay" including, "Native American masks and 'prayer sticks' from all Southwestern tribes." The seller lists a "Buy it now" price for the communion host of £5,000 (Approximately US $9,465.00)
You can't sell Native American prayer sticks, but consecrated hosts are up for auction.
You can track some of the other more ridiculous things up for sale at the world's largest online marketplace here.