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United Methodists are being called to take action to oppose a proposal to bring slot machines to Maryland.

On Oct. 29, in a special legislative session, state lawmakers will consider a proposal by Gov. Martin O'Malley to bring almost 10,000 state-operated slot machines to Maryland to finance an approximate $550 million annual shortfall in the state?s education budget.

Bishop John R. Schol is calling on all United Methodist to oppose slots. 'It is unconscionable that our government would continue to consider - and promote - slot machine gambling,' he said.

Statement on Gambling by Church Leaders

The expansion of the state's dependence upon gambling is a current and critical issue, that we are compelled to address. We firmly oppose the legalization of slot machine gambling in Maryland, whether by legislation or referendum.

We speak not only because of our collective conscience as religious leaders, but also as leaders who serve the citizens of Maryland. We are concerned about the serious long-range consequences gambling will have for the quality of life of all of the citizens of our state. Gambling is a menace to society and a regressive tax on the poor. It is deadly to the interests of moral, social, economic and spiritual life and destructive of good government.

Both sociological and personal evidence abound regarding the vices and social ills that accompany legalized gambling. Its very real impact on low and moderate income families and individuals - on those for whom gambling becomes a compulsive behavior, are concerns that must be considered.

In current gambling jurisdictions, the foundation of the family is at greatest risk. There is a sharp increase in divorce, suicide, bankruptcy, child abuse and domestic violence. Children of gambling addicts experience lower levels of mental health and physical well being.

Introducing slots into our state sends a message that dollars are precious and people are expendable. This is not true. Marylanders will creatively work together to insure children are educated and fed without gambling revenue. In fact, gambling revenue will worsen the plight of children, youth and adults within Maryland.

Given these and other considerations, it is unconscionable that our government would continue to consider - and promote - slot machine gambling. We applaud the Governor for considering additional revenue to fund various programs and initiatives. But gambling should not be part of the equation. It jeopardizes the lives of untold thousands of individuals and families, and contributes substantially to the moral decay of our communities. Therefore, we believe legalized slot gambling should and must be vigorously opposed.

We urge state legislators to vote against all gambling proposals, including slot machines.

Bishop John Schol, Bishop, Baltimore/Washington Conference of the United Methodist Church

Bishop John Rabb, Bishop In Charge, Episcopal Diocese of Maryland

Bishop H. Gerard Knoche, Bishop, Delaware/Maryland Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The Reverend Dr. John Deckenback, Conference Minister, The Central Atlantic Conference of the United Church of Christ.

The Reverend Lari Grubbs, Regional Minister, Christian Church Disciples of Christ

The Reverend Dr. Peter Nord, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Baltimore

The Reverend Allen Spicer, President, Central Maryland Ecumenical Council

The Rev. Dr. Donald Booz, Church of the Brethren

Rev. Dr. Clark Lobensine, Interfaith Conference of Metropolitan Washington

A Special Edition of the e-Connection addresses the gambling issue and what can be done to help.

Resources for Action
Tips when writing elected officials (PDF)
Sample letter to an elected official (Word Document)
Listing of Maryland Delegates and Senate
A quote on gambling from the Book of Resolutions (PDF)
Stop Slots Bulletin (B/W) - An insert for church bulletins for Oct. 27 (PDF)
Stop Slots Bulletin (Color) - An insert for church bulletins for Oct. 27 (PDF)
Bulletin Insert for Slots Hearing (PDF)
Legistlators Contact Information (PDF)

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