Omaha Archbishop puts an end to priests at casinos

Tuesday, March 7, 2000 | 9:13 a.m.

In a letter to priests last Thursday, Archbishop Elden Curtiss said his order stems from inquiries and complaints from parishioners who have spotted priests at casinos in neighboring states. Casinos are illegal in Nebraska.

Gambling can be very addictive and can tempt one to use parish funds to recoup losses or to hit it big, which never happens, he wrote in the letter.

The letter was pre-emptive, said the Rev. Michael Gutgsell, the archdiocese's chancellor. To his knowledge, Gutgsell said no priest has a gambling problem.

The letter is consistent with Curtiss' views on gambling, Gutgsell said. Curtiss has discouraged use of bingo, pickle cards and games of chance that parishes have used to raise money. Curtiss instead promotes stewardship.

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