July 2005

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ICPJ Board Opposes Casino in Gettysburg

As most readers are aware, a group of investors is proposing to build a gambling casino at the intersection of US Routes 15 and 30 just outside Gettysburg. The casino, which would include more than three thousand slot machines, would be one of the largest in the nation. The final decision as to the location of the casinos, which are authorized under Pennsylvania Act 71, will be made by the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. A local coalition, No Casino Gettysburg, including members from a wide variety of political perspectives, has formed to oppose the casino. Much information is available at its website, http://www.nocasinogettysburg.com.

At its meeting on June 7, the Board of the Interfaith Center expressed agreement with “the spirit and the sentiment expressed by the Gettysburg Area Ministerium in regard to legalized casino gambling in Gettysburg.” The Ministerium resolution, the text of which follows, indicates some of the justice issues involved in casino gambling. (The ICPJ Board noted that, where the resolution says “legalized gambling,” it really should say “legalized casino gambling,” as it is not directed against other forms of legalized gambling, such as lottery tickets.)

Resolution in opposition to gambling in the Gettysburg Area:

Grace and peace in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to all members of the Gettysburg area community.

We, the undersigned pastors of our community who are part of the Gettysburg area Ministerium, want to express publicly our opposition to legalized gambling in our community. We believe that legalized gambling corrupts the health and well being of our community and its members. We oppose legalized gambling for moral reasons, for reasons of economic justice and for the special and symbolic role that Gettysburg plays in our national life.

From a standpoint of the moral health of our community, gambling encourages an addiction that can devastate families financially and create immense stress on marital and family life. Furthermore, legalized gambling attracts and aggravates criminal activity in our community. As such it places increased demands on our law enforcement and our criminal justice system. It does not teach our children what is best and right and true for their life or life in our community.

From a standpoint of economic justice, legalized gambling preys upon the most vulnerable members of our community and encourages a “hit the jackpot” mentality against nearly impossible odds. As noted in the recent statement by the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg in opposition to legalized gambling in our community, it is well documented that persons of lower income spend a higher percentage of their income than those of greater means in gambling facilities. As such it acts as a hidden regressive tax upon the family income of those least able to afford it.

Finally, we recognize and honor the symbolic role that Gettysburg plays in our national life. We worship, live and work on ground hallowed by the sacrifice of those who bravely died in the cause of freedom. A gambling casino cheapens the memory and meaning of Gettysburg not just for our community, but for our nation.

This comes with our prayers for God’s wisdom and guidance for the leaders of our community and all members of our community, county and commonwealth.

(A list of signatures follows.)

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Last updated July 13, 2005

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