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BISHOPS
URGE “NO” VOTE ON AMENDMENT 4 We express our opposition to the current efforts to amend the state constitution so as to allow gambling by slot machines in Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. 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, according to Catholic tradition, is morally neutral depending on
the individual circumstances. Gambling is often accompanied by vice and social evils. We are concerned over the impact of easier gambling opportunities on low and moderate income families and individuals, as well as those for whom gambling becomes a compulsive behavior. We are also concerned for the impact on neighborhoods, housing patterns and the homeless, and on public morality in general. In view of the potential harm to the common good of all citizens of our state, we urge a “no” vote on Amendment 4. Archbishop John C. Favalora Bishop John J. Nevins Bishop Norbert M. Dorsey, CP Archdiocese of Miami Diocese of Venice Diocese of Orlando
Bishop John H. Ricard, SSJ Bishop Robert N. Lynch Bishop Victor Galeone Diocese of Pensacola/Tallahassee Diocese of St. Petersburg Diocese of St. Augustine
Bishop Gerald M. Barbarito, JCL Coadjutor Bishop Thomas G. Wenski Auxiliary Bishop Felipe J. Estevez Diocese of Palm Beach Diocese of Orlando Archdiocese of Miami
Florida Catholic Conference
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