ELCA NEWS SERVICE May 10, 2005 ELCA Seminary Opposes Gambling Expansion In Gettysburg Area 05-087-FI/JS* CHICAGO (ELCA) -- The board of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg (LTSG), Pa., decided May 4 to register its opposition to a slot-machine casino proposed for the Gettysburg area. "The expansion of gambling is not healthy for this or any other community that cares about its quality of life and its commitments to education, history and the common good," the board said. LTSG has been preparing church leaders in Gettysburg since 1826, making it the oldest of eight seminaries of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). A developer announced plans April 26 to build the proposed gambling facility on the east edge of the historic Pennsylvania town. "Gettysburg Seminary has a long-standing commitment to be a good citizen, concerned for the well-being of this community that is our home. Our board went on record opposing activities that in our best judgment will detract from the well-being of local residents and our millions of guests," said the Rev. Michael Cooper-White, LTSG president. The seminary board called on "the greater Gettysburg community, its institutions and governmental authorities to join in opposition against any plans to develop a legalized gambling enterprise in Adams County of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania." The board cited three issues as bases for its action: economic justice, community impact and symbolic consideration of Gettysburg as a national historic treasure. A background section of the board's statement cited concerns about the impact on the community both in human terms and in potentially hidden costs in such areas as public services, law enforcement, land use and existing retail segments of the economy. "For Gettysburg to host a gambling facility of any kind is to cheapen and diminish the symbolic value of this place and to abandon the historic witness it plays in American history. Gettysburg, known around the world for its turning point in a great civil war, became a symbol of societal and national unity and sacrifice for the sake of human dignity and freedom," the background section said. "In the place where so many gave their last full measure of devotion, there is already too much commercialism connected to the battle," said the Rev. Dennis K. Hagstrom, LTSG board member, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, Centreville, Va. The Rev. Donald J. McCoid, the LTSG board's chair-elect and bishop of the ELCA Southwestern Pennsylvania Synod, Pittsburgh, said the most important factors for the seminary's opposition is the concern for the impact upon the "health of the community and the historic witness of the church" against expansion of gambling. He said the seminary's opposition is consistent with resolutions taken by his own and several other synods in Pennsylvania. The 24-member board also cited the impact the proposed slot- machine casino would have on the quality of life for the 300 students who live and learn on campus and in the area. -- -- -- The full statement of the board of the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg is at http://www.ltsg.edu/news/contragambling.htm on the seminary's Web site. * The Rev. John R. Spangler is director of mission interpretation and communication, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, Pa. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news