For over 125 years, the Lumber River Conference of the Holiness Methodist Church has served as a spiritual beacon for its members and their communities. During this time, the Conference has watched as the Lumbee people fought to gain “Full Federal Recognition,” seeing this come to fruition earlier this year after nearly a century and a half of struggle.
Now, less than six months later, we find ourselves in the greatest struggle we have faced thus far, that being a “House Divided.” Why has this division come? Over the issue of gaming and who has the authority to put it into place.
No matter which side of the issue you fall on, we as a Conference encourage you to get out and vote. Voting is a sacred right that has come at a great price to many men and women over the past 250 years of American independence.
We do not presume to dictate to our members or friends how they should vote on constitutional amendments or gaming as a whole, but we do remind each other that we are to have a Biblical worldview when approaching these issues. Arguments will be made in support of gaming, such as job creation, economic opportunities, and healthcare benefits. But what lasting value do these actually have without the spiritual guidance our communities so desperately need? A community that gains the whole world yet loses its soul has gained nothing of eternal worth.
With alcohol, substance abuse, violence, murders, and educational disparities already present, gaming will only serve as another vice leading to destruction. History has proven in countless communities across this nation that where gambling takes root, poverty deepens, families fracture, and hope is exchanged for the false promise of easy gain. We cannot afford to invite that reality into our own backyard.
Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 13:11 (KJV): “Wealth gotten by vanity shall be diminished: but he that gathereth by labor shall increase.” God’s Word is clear, prosperity built on chance and the misfortune of others is not a blessing; it is a snare. Furthermore, 1 Timothy 6:10 warning us against the “…love of money…” Gaming is, at its very core, the institutionalization of that love of money.
We submit to you that this is not one of those “What Would Jesus Do” moments, but rather a call to ask: What are we going to do? The message must be clear: we stand with the Scriptures. As a Conference, we are unequivocally opposed to gaming in any form. We denounce all sin, and we are compelled by Scripture to speak against any effort, however well-intentioned, that presents the fruits of sin as a path to lasting prosperity. The Church cannot remain silent when the spiritual and moral welfare of our people is at stake.
We have fought too long for the recognition and dignity of our people to now place our future in the hands of a casino floor. Our strength has never come from games of chance, it has come from faith, family, and the provision of Almighty God.
Therefore, we urge all of you to reflect deeply on your choices, to pursue honesty and diligence, and to avoid any practice that fosters false hope or financial harm. In love and wisdom, we move forward together, trusting in God for our future.
Approved by the Members of the Permanent Conference Bar of the Lumber River Holiness Methodist Church – June 7th, 2026
