The Social Principles states...for support of charities or government." [See Social Principles, Paragraph 73.G ]
One of the essential commandments, according to Jesus, is "Love thy
neighbor as thyself" (Matthew 22:39-
40).
This, together with loving God with all of one's being, summarizes all of the
law.
When asked which commandment is first of all, Jesus answered, "Hear O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord Thy God, with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength." (Mk. 12:29-30) Gambling feeds on human greed and invites persons to place their trust in possessions rather than in God. It represents a form of idolatry which contradicts the first commandment. Jesus continued, "The second is this, You shall love your neighbor as yourself." (Mk. 12:31) In relating with compassion to our sisters and brothers, we are called to resist those practices and systems which exploit them and leave them impoverished and demeaned.
Gambling, as a means of keeping acquiring material gain
only by chance...and is destructive to the interests of good
government. It encourages the belief that work is unimportant, that money
can solve all our problems, and that greed is the norm for achievement. It
serves as a "regressive tax" on those with lower income. In summary, gambling
is bad economics; gambling is bad public policy; and gambling does not improve
the quality of life.
We oppose the growing legalization and state promotion of gambling...
[Last paragraph] The Church has a key role...gambling or fund raising.
We United Methodists should refrain...funding which do
not depend upon gambling.
The General Board of Church and Society in cooperation with other general agencies shall provide materials to local churches and annual conferences for study and action to combat gambling and aid persons addicted to gambling. The general agencies, annual conferences and local churches should work with the National Coalition Against Legalized Gambling, a grassroots organization of religious and community persons working to stop and reverse legalized gambling.
General Conference Webmaster: Susan Brumbaugh
PETS Creator: John Brawn
Petition Text: 21048-CS-R412-U
1996 United Methodist General Conference