The Acts of Convention

Resolved, That the 73rd General Convention note with dismay the increase of gambling and gaming in our society and:

1. Encourage the clergy and pastoral caregivers of this Church to become familiar with the resources of Gamblers Anonymous (www.gamblersanonymous.org) and other organizations, which provide service to problem and addicted gamblers and their families;
2. Encourage parishes and church-related organizations to be aware of the inappropriateness of using gambling for fundraising purposes;
3. Endorse the recommendations of the bipartisan National Gambling Impact Study Commission for a moratorium on the expansion of gambling in states and localities, and for a gambling impact study to be conducted in each state and locality prior to the introduction or expansion of gambling;
4. Ask Executive Council to establish a Task Force on Gambling and Gaming to study the effects of this activity on persons and communities and to report back to the 74th General Convention;
5. Urge members, congregations, dioceses, provinces, and the National Church Center to work to end state-sponsored gambling and gaming; and
6. Encourage congregations and church related organizations to be inclusive of, and minister to, those persons related to and employed in the gambling industry.