July 7, 1994 We, the Catholic Bishops of Florida, wish to express our opposition to the current efforts to amend the state constitution so as to permit casino gambling and/or riverboat gambling in a number of locations around the state of Florida. The teaching of the Catholic Church on the morality of gambling is clear. People are entitled to dispose of their own property as they will, so long as in doing so they do not render themselves incapable of fulfilling duties expected by reason of justice or charity. Gambling, therefore, though a luxury, is not considered morally wrong in itself, but it may become morally wrong when it interferes with one's other duties or responsibilities. Gambling itself, then, according to Catholic tradition, is morally neutral depending on the individual circumstances. We speak here, not only out of a sense of our responsibility as religious leaders, but also out or our concern as citizens of Florida for the long-range implications which these proposals will have for the quality of life of all of the citizens of our state. We have followed with interest the development of casino and riverboat gambling in other parts of the United States. This expansion of gambling in Florida by a new multi-million dollar industry brings with it expensive advertising campaigns, high stakes games, and continuing drive for more and more gambling revenues. There is historical and anecdotal evidence that casino gambling is accompanied by vice and social evils. The impact of casino or riverboat gambling on low and moderate income families and individuals; on those for whom gambling becomes a compulsive behavior; on neighborhoods, housing patterns and the homeless; and on public morality in general are all concerns which must be considered in connection with these proposed constitutional amendments. We are all well aware that some citizens of our State see in casino gambling a means of competing with other tourist areas which have resorted to such means to promote tourism. We cannot believe that our State, which is so rich in natural beauty and wonderful climate needs to employ such doubtful means to promote tourism -- especially in view of the potential harm to the common good of all citizens of our State. We urge all responsible for making decisions in this matter to weigh carefully the reasons for opposing casino gambling which we have given here. Edward A. McCarthy John J. Snyder John C. Favalora Norbert M. Dorsey John M. Smith J. Keith Symons John J. Nevins Agustin A. Roman |