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Gambling: What is it for us Christians?
In the search for prescriptions that will bring sanity and sanctity to efforts to deal with the menace posed by the gambling mania - the churches can play a useful role.
Above all, they can support strong enforcement of the gambling laws. In most states, gambling is clearly illegal.
Some time ago, Senator Estes Kefauver and Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy have led the fight for strict controls to assist the states in their war on the syndicated interstate criminal enterprise represented by gambling.
In the face of proof that extensive graft and pay-off exist in some local law enforcement circles, strong federal laws and action are sorely needed.
Under the new laws prohibiting interstate transportation of gambling paraphernalia, information and promotional material, many of the wire services and bookie joints have closed down.
In the first 13 months after the laws were passed, the Federal Bureau of Investigation looked into 4,990 possible violations.
As a result, 943 cases were forwarded to the department of justice for further study. So far, 115 persons have been indicted and 26 convicted. Meanwhile, there is need for responsible support of law enforcement agencies by an awakened citizenry.
And in a related area, churchmen could well support the initiation of higher qualifications for appointment to police forces, as well as increases in pay which would make graft offers less attractive.
They should encourage such moves in spite of the higher taxes those increases would mean. The churches can work against legalization of gambling.
As to 'glamorous' Las Vegas -- the sinister truth is that Nevada's legalization of gambling was one of the greatest boons ever bestowed on the American underworld by a grateful government.
The net result has been to make 'fun-loving' Las Vegas virtually the capital of American crime.
Churchmen need not be apologetic or timid about fighting such an adversary - though they may find veterans' organizations, charity groups and other churchmen on the adversary's side.
The church must lead its own people through education and commitment to newness and wholeness of life. This is by all odds, the most important role it can play in the search for effective prescriptions.
In the church, the community of the Spirit, such personal and social habits as gambling should be openly discussed without intimidation by either the sophisticated libertine, or the self-righteous pharisee.
When youth and adults are acquainted with the facts, they should be allowed the freedom of the will to make their commitment in terms of their personal appropriation of their faith.
Patrocinador