Dear Doers of Justice,
A silent storm may be brewing in Massachusetts. Because of the tough economic times we're in, legislators and other politicians are taking desperate measures to balance budgets, create jobs and stimulate the economy. One of the ideas that has been seriously considered, and still is a viable option for some is Casino Gambling.
The Massachusetts Council of Churches has been diligent in their witness in speaking against any legislative proposals which would expand gambling in the Commonwealth. The Council leadership is now urging concerned Christians to contact legislators to conduct an independent cost-benefit analysis. The Council, working in partnership with “United to Stop Slots in Massachusetts” www.uss-mass.org, is advocating such an analysis.
As people of faith, we need to be bold in our witness and oppose expanded gambling. The social costs will be very high - including increased addictions, broken families, higher crime rates, and more poverty.
As someone who has experienced the heartache of broken families and ruined lives because of the social fall out resulting from Casino gambling in other states where friends and family live, I would like to encourage you to contact your state senator and representative. Please ask them to take a lead in mandating the independent cost-benefit analysis of casino gambling.
Please share with me the feedback you get and I will pass it along to the Massachusetts Council of Churches.
Yours in faith, Rev. Mark Seifried MACUCC Interim Pastor and concerned citizen of God's Commonwealth Office: 508-832-2845
endorsed by the Commission for Mission & Justice |