Maine Racino Opposition

Church leaders oppose casino

Leaders from nine churches in the Oxford Hills region are opposing Question 1, which would allow a casino in Oxford County. The group will announce its opposition at a news conference in South Paris on Monday.

Although the church leaders don't like gambling for moral reasons, their opposition is based on their belief that gambling debts will push some families into poverty and increase social problems, such as crime and suicide, said Pastor Dallas Henry of the Oxford Advent Christian Church.

"We aren't imposing morals on everybody. We don't have a right to do that," he said. "Our approach is that it's going to hurt our society."

Casino proponents said the casino will create 2,700 permanent jobs.

"The best way to reduce social problems in Oxford County is creating jobs," said Robert Lally Jr., a partner in Black Bear Realty LLC, which would own the casino.

The churches involved in the effort include: Oxford Advent Christian Church, Faith Chapel/Assembly of God, Stow Baptist Church, Faith Community Church, South Paris Baptist Church, Norway Church of the Nazarene, Spurrs Corner Alliance and Twin Bridges Pentecostal Church.

The news conference will take place 9 a.m. Monday at Moore Park in South Paris.