Quakers have been a part of the Gettysburg area community for over 250 years. We have long concerned ourselves with the quality of life, especially in the historic place where we live, work and worship. Though silence is a key component in our faith, we do not think that being silent is appropriate when it comes to the debate over the expansion of gambling, involving a casino in Adams County.
Quakers have long opposed gambling of any kind. As a part of the religious community in Adams County, we stand in firm opposition to the proposal under consideration. Our position is out of concern for the negative impact on our children, our neighbors and ourselves. Our opposition to gambling carries with it a long and consistent history, dating to the beginnings of the Quaker religion in the 17th Century. Over 200 years ago, noted theologian Thomas Clarkson wrote: “When we consider the depravity of heart, and the misery and ruin, that are frequently connected with gaming, it would be strange indeed, if the Quakers, as highly professing Christians, had not endeavored to” oppose gambling. Nearly a century ago, our own Quaker handbook concluded: “Our Society bears testimony against betting (and) gambling … We hold a firm belief that these practices are wrong in principle.”
More recently, the words of another Quaker, recently posted on a blog, summarized our current position nicely: “You (should) stay clear of gambling … God has better ideas for you.” As Quakers in Adams County, we could not agree more.
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Mary Gemmill, clerk
Menallen Monthly Meeting
Religious Society of Friends
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