eHUM Alert 3/8/02

e-HUM Alert -- Church News Now
March 8, 2002

e-HUM Alert is a free service of Indiana Area United Methodist Communications (www.inareaumc.org). Bridging the gap between monthly issues of the "Hoosier United Methodist News," subscribers will receive late-breaking news, announcements and Church resources via e-mail. We welcome your comments, please direct to "e-HUM" editor at ehumeditor@inareaumc.org.

RELIGIOUS LEADERS PETITION GOVERNOR TO VETO GAMBLING

   With the mandatory March 14 adjournment of Indiana state legislators looming, Indiana Area Bishop Woodie W. White joined a contingent of religious leaders at the Statehouse for a news conference to express their objection to Senate Bill 333. The current version of the bill repeals the cruising requirements of riverboats, allowing gamblers to come and go freely, the installation of electronic pull-tab machines at horse tracks throughout the state and the addition of a new riverboat in French Lick/West Baden.
   State religious leaders joined White as he read a public statement signed by representatives from the Indiana Baptist Convention, Episcopal Diocese of Indianapolis, Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis, the Society of Friends, Disciples of Christ, United Church of Christ and the Presbyterian Church, USA. White explained that it is the judgment of the group that expansion of gambling would be "unwise as public policy and morally indefensible in its implication of state encouragement for citizens to divert personal income in the hope of long-odds windfall gains."
   "I plead to legislators to find other ways to solve the budgetary issues," said White. "I ask the governor (a United Methodist) to take a serious look and veto any bills that would expand gambling." The bishop also called upon church members to make their voices heard by contacting their legislators.
   Following the press conference, Bishop White led the delegation of religious leaders to Governor Frank O'Bannon's office to hand deliver the statement.
   Visit http://www.inareaumc.org/release.htm to read the Public Statement of Indiana Religious Leaders. Contact your Senator at 800/382-9467, Representative at 800/382-9842. Matthew Carlisle

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