We oppose any expansion of gambling in our beloved state of Alabama. The sad and tragic results of gambling frequently adversely affect the poor and wreck the lives of families and individuals who participate, notably those who live below the poverty level. Gambling can intensify addiction, leading to financial ruin, relationship strain, and psychological distress.
We urge Alabama Baptists to contact state legislators and other elected officials, especially those who have publicly voiced support for any expansion of gambling in our state – whether a lottery, casinos and so-called “gaming,” which is also gambling – all of which, if legalized, would bring destruction and devastation to the lives of countless families.
We affirm the ministry of the Alabama Citizens Action Program, known as “Alabama’s moral compass,” and ALCAP’s president Greg Davis, for providing ongoing leadership and moral influence in the halls of the State Legislature and beyond in lobbying against any expansion of gambling.
We urge Alabama Baptists to pray that the expansion of gambling will be halted. We further urge that Alabama Baptists as individuals will put their prayers into action by contacting governmental leaders and voicing concern that righteous decisions be made regarding the life of our state.
CRAIG CARLISLE, president, Alabama Baptist State Convention, and director of missions, Etowah Baptist Association
JARMAN LEATHERWOOD, first vice president, Alabama Baptist State Convention, and senior pastor, House of Hope and Restoration, Huntsville
RYAN WHITLEY, second vice president, Alabama Baptist State Convention, and senior pastor, CrossPoint Church, Trussville
MEL JOHNSON, chair, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, and director of missions, Autauga Baptist Association
JIM GRAHAM. vice chair, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, and senior pastor, Coosada Baptist Church, Coosada
RICK LANCE, executive director, Alabama Baptist State Board of Missions, Prattville
