Episcopal Press and News

Western New York Convention Opposes Casino Gambling

Episcopal News Service. December 14, 1994 [94202C]

A position paper opposing casino gambling was adopted by the convention of the Diocese of Western New York. It said that gambling is immoral, invites law-breaking, political corruption and infiltration by organized crime and it can lead to personal and family tragedies. The paper claimed that the long-term evil associated with gambling far outweighs the short-term good. "It is a well-balanced statement that gives our position and explains why we oppose casino gambling," said Bishop David Bowman. The diocesan council said the paper was intended to "heighten awareness of the many issues involved in the complex matter of casino gambling and publicly express the opposition of this diocese." The diocese felt it had to address the issue because of increased interest by some communities in New York in gambling as a way to stimulate stagnating economies. "We continue to believe that an increased dependence on gambling revenues, whether privately sponsored and promoted, or state regulated and taxed, is not an equitable and moral answer to our economic and social problems," the document argues.