July 2005 - Page 5

Appeal to Covetousness

Gambling by risking money haphazardly disregards our belief that possessions are a trust. The persistent appeal to covetousness...is fundamentally opposed to the unselfishness which was taught by Jesus Christ and by the New Testament as a whole. The attempt, which is inseparable from gambling, to make profit out of the inevitable loss and possible suffering of others is the antithesis of that love of one’s neighbor on which our Lord insisted. Moreover, we must consider the moral and spiritual plight of those who by indulgence in gambling become suddenly possessed of large financial resources for which they have rendered no service to the community.

London Y.M.: Christian faith and practice, 1960, no. 567

Say "NO" to Casinos!

Talking Points

When you call your state legislators or speak to others at your church, you can use these Say "NO" to Casino Talking Points to explain why you and so many others in the Commonwealth are opposed to gambling expansion.

Gambling expansion is not good news for the poor. Some have called it a back door "tax" because it entices those who can least afford to "play" in hope of a quick infusion of needed cash. Casinos disproportionately hurt the most vulnerable people in society.

The social costs of casinos are too high! When gambling expansion occurs, communities have seen a statistical upswing in divorce, domestic violence, child abuse, child death by abuse, rape, assault, suicide, drug abuse, psychiatric and personality disorders , physical illness, bankruptcy, work absenteeism and lost productivity, embezzlement, insurance fraud, arson and increased police, civil justice, and social service costs. Gambling is not family-friendly social policy!
Gambling expansion is not smart economic policy. Casinos hurt local businesses by siphoning off restaurant, hotel and retail customers.
Gambling is a bad way for the state government to raise additional revenue. Massachusetts residents would need to lose over $2 billion additional dollars each year for the state to receive its projected $400 million in ‘new revenue’.

These Talking Points were presented at the Inter-Church Council Meeting by Rev. David Fredrickson, Church of the Good Shepherd, Wareham. Both of the pastors of the Unitarian churches are also very committed to this cause.