Skip to Main Content

Bishops Sign Joint Statement on Sports Betting

Posted: June 26 2018 at 01:08 PM

Bishop Sally Dyck and Illinois Great Rivers Bishop Frank J. Beard are expressing their concerns on a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision clearing the way for states to legalize sports betting, striking down a 1992 federal law that had prohibited most states from authorizing sports betting.

"As United Methodists, we have long held that 'gambling is a menace to society, deadly to the best interests of moral, social, economic and spiritual life [and] destructive of good government' (Social Principles, ¶163G). Our concern for Illinoisans is the seduction of an easy way out of our state's financial mess with unfunded pension liabilities and a backlog of unpaid bills. Advocates will once again parrot a familiar refrain that we can solve our financial problems on someone else's dime." 

Read the full statement here.

For resources and advocacy contact Anita Bedell, Executive Director of ILCAAAP at 217-546-6871 or through the website www.ilcaaap.org.  

News & Announcements

Walkingalonside Sq

Is Walking Alongside a Third Sacrament?

"Our sacraments are baptism and the Eucharist," Bishop Dan Schwerin says. "They are gifts for pilgrims, a bath and a meal. Surely walking alongside is another ancient embodiment of Jesus…

Eugenevioletfabiola

Council of Bishops Gather Leaders to Envision UMC's Future

This October, the United Methodist Council of Bishops will host leaders from the episcopal areas around the world in Calgary, Canada, for "Emboldened by the Spirit: Im…

Finance Report

Balanced Budget Approved; Apportionment Receipts Rising

The 2027 apportioned budget for the Northern Illinois Conference will be $5,647,000, which is an increase of $539,000 over the 2026 approved budget. Apportionment receipt…

Sign Holders

Almost 200 March for Justice for Immigrants

About 150 Northern Illinois United Methodists marched to demonstrate their support of justice for immigrants on June 15, near the Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center.

Print