Gambling on Good Friday a ‘terrible desecration’
Posted on March 17, 2009
Filed under News
From Anglican Media Melbourne:
Anglican Archbishop of Melbourne, Dr Philip Freier, today described Tabcorp’s proposed move to allow gambling on Good Friday as a “terrible desecration.”
“Good Friday is a day of profound significance for many Australians because it’s the day we remember Christ’s suffering and death on the cross.
“To turn Good Friday into yet another day with easy access to gambling would be abackward step.
“Good Friday has traditionally been respected by the majority of Australians as a sacred day.It is disappointing that Tabcorp now appears to be putting profits before community values and wishes.
“I urge Tabcorp to reconsider its proposal, particularly in the light of its mission to be ‘committed…to the communities in which it operates… [and] maintain leadership in responsible gambling.’
“I would argue that such a proposal neither serves the best interests of the ‘communities in which it operates’, nor demonstrates ‘leadership in responsible gambling’.”
“I note the concern of the Victorian Jockeys Association about the proposal, and applaud Racing Minister Rob Hulls’ refusal to support it, as reported on the Herald Sun Website.
“Asking the gambling industry to put community values before profits for just one day of the year is not unreasonable.”
– from Anglican Media Melbourne.
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