PORTLAND, Maine — The Maine Council of Churches announced Sept. 30 that it is opposing a proposed casino in southern Maine run by the Passamaquoddy and Penobscot Indian tribes.
The council’s board of directors said it considers gambling in any form to be “contrary to the values of honest work, responsible community life and unacceptable as either a means of raising state revenue in lieu of taxes or as a means of providing economic development,” according to AP.
“The proposed high-stakes casino introduces a significant change in our state’s already morally compromised support of, and dependence on, gambling enterprise,” the council said in a statement. The council, whose membership includes more than 600 Roman Catholic and Protestant churches, also said it recognizes the “desperate need” of the tribes to find a means to support economic development on their reservations.
It said Maine citizens have a shared responsibility to work with tribal leaders on economic development projects that will create jobs and revenue for the tribes.
Maine will vote Nov. 4 on whether to allow a proposed $650 million casino and resort to be built. Casino developers have set their sights on Sanford.
Share with others: