On November 2, 1999, South Carolina voters will go to the polls to decide the future of the video gambling in our state. What part can churches and pastors legally play in informing their congregations? At what point are we in danger of losing our tax-exempt status? Does the whole issue matter?

Before we look at the legalities of taking a stand against what's obviously open sin, let me preface my comments by saying our bible tells us in Proverbs 14:34, Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people. Sin will be the downfall of our nation and our state. We as believers are obligated before God to be both salt and light. We don't have a choice about that. God told His prophets in Isaiah 58:1 to, "Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet, and shew my people their transgression, and the house of Jacob their sins." Certainly someone might say, "What's the use? I can't make a difference". Yet whether we see the difference or don't, we must still obey God and stand firmly and passionately against what is wrong. Gambling is wrong. We have to stand.

Often churches and Christians are told they don't have to participate if they don't like it. Believers are told to change the channel if they don't like the programming, but it's not that simple. It is the churches, pastors and other social organizations who must counsel the 47.5 percent of gamblers who have considered suicide and another 13 percent who attempt taking their own life because they have lost everything as a result of gambling. This week I received a request for help and assistance from a lady who is in great need as a result of the effects of gambling. The gambling industry as a whole is corrupt and places our state in enmity with God.

So what can we do in and through our churches to oppose legalized gambling? First, "Churches and pastors may speak freely about a referendum, including out right endorsement of opposition. Bulletin Inserts, fact sheets and statements from the pulpit are also allowed. In a referendum, such activity is considered 'direct lobbying' since you are attempting to influence the 'lawmakers' themselves who, of course, are the voters. The restriction on such action though, is that time and cost of these activities cannot reflect a 'substantial' part of the church's overall activity and budget in a given year. Past rulings by the courts have determined that expenditures of less than five percent of a 501(c)(3) organization's time and finances were not substantial and therefore were permissible. (Palmetto Perspective, July 1999)

Second, I'm asking those of you who read this paper to talk to your pastor. I'm not asking you to carry a picket, but to DENOUNCE DIRTY GAMBLING MONEY. Ask your Preacher to speak up. Quit crying about cowardice if you are too cowardly to stand. Gambling is a sin and church folk need to hear about it! Remember the law enforcement officer who about six months ago held up a 'BP' station on I-26 to pay off his gambling debt. Today his career is shot, his family is in shame, and his life will never be the same. That is the product of legalized gambling, not better schools.