WHEREAS, The Southern Baptist Convention and many state Baptist conventions have repeatedly expressed strong opposition to the spread of legalized gambling; and
WHEREAS, Several proposals now being considered in Congress call for the establishment of a national lottery; and
WHEREAS, Lotteries–like all gambling–are socially, economically, and morally destructive, being rooted in covetousness and violating the biblical work ethic; and
WHEREAS, The lottery industry openly claims that lotteries are a form of gambling which effectively attracts new gamblers; and
WHEREAS, Lotteries are a regressive source of government revenue particularly victimizing the poor.
Be it therefore RESOLVED, That we, the messengers of the Southern Baptist Convention meeting in Dallas, June 11-13, 1985, express strong objection to the various legislative proposals for the establishment of a national lottery; and
Be it further RESOLVED, That we call on Southern Baptists to work for the defeat of any proposed national lottery legislation; and
Be it finally RESOLVED, That the Christian Life Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention be asked to transmit a copy of this resolution to the President and the Congress of the United States; and, to continue to oppose vigorously any efforts to establish a national lottery.