Catholic Bishops In Philippines Continue To Challenge Gambling

Churches around the world are softening. They used to be set against gambling, but as time has gone on, that stance has changed slightly.

That is not the case, however, with some religious groups. The Catholic Bishops' Conference of The Philippines has continued to stand strong in their fight against gambling.

"We stand against all forms of gambling, legal or illegal," said Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, in a phone interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Pagcor, the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, has a tourism center in Manila Bay. The CBCP is not against the center, just the gambling in the Las Vegas style complex.

"The Pagcor and the rich should directly channel the money to the needy instead of giving it through gambling if they really want to help," said Lagdameo.

He believes that the project was redirected to make the Catholic church accept it. It was originally billed as a gambling city, and has evolved into an entertainment and tourism city. Lagdameo said only time will tell which of the three the project actually becomes.

April 5, 2008
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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