CHURCH RAFFLES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 2350, 3 November 1921, Page 4

CHURCH RAFFLES.

, The question was discussed at a sitting of the Anglican Synod in Auckland as to whether the Church could consistently denounce the totalisator and other forms of gambling while it indulged in raffles and art unions itself for the purpose of raising money. Canon C. A. Tisdall moved: —

“That in view of the growing spirit of gambling, as evidenced by the totalisator returns and the request for further totalisator permits, this Synod strongly affirms the opinion that, in all endeavours.,, to raise money for church purposes, any methods depending on chance should be strictly avoided.” , The members of the Synod appeared to be divided upon the question. One clergyman said he believed Ihe question of indulging in raffles was a matter for individual opinion. As a matter of personal experience, he had found that those who condemned others in this respect frequently withheld the assistance that the Church sought. This may be true, says the M.D. Times, but the Church ,cannot blow hot and cold. If it sincerely believes that gambling is a vice that is spreading wifli alarming rapidil\, that is inimical to the welfare of society, it is morally bound to deprecate its employment for any purpose whatsoever. If gambling is good for the raising of church funds, it cannot be bad for the racegoer. The matter is not one of individual opinion, but of Church policy. No conscientious man can condemn in others a practice that he engages in for his own benefit oi amusement.