Dear Bishops Sutton and Andrus, On both the websites of the Episcopal Dioceses of Maryland and California is located

an article that states that Bishop Sutton and Bishop Andrus have bet on both their teams respectively who are playing in the Super Bowl this Sunday. I know people will say that it was all in good fun. But I have a really big issue with our Bishop Sutton and Bishop Andrus of California betting on which of their teams will win the Super Bowl. Normally, I could laugh it off and say, "Oh, Episcopalians." But I want to point out something that our Bishop here in Maryland sent out not more then a couple months ago: "Political Voices and Gospel Values A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Eugene Taylor Sutton on Important Issues on the Ballot in Maryland for the November 6 Elections for the Episcopal Diocese of Maryland Expanded Gambling In 2008 our Diocesan Convention overwhelmingly passed a resolution opposing a gambling initiative in that election. Bishop John Rabb and I wrote to you then: The Catechism answers the question regarding our duty to our neighbor by defining our duty to be honest and fair in our dealings; to seek justice, freedom, and the necessities of life for all people, to resist the temptations to envy, greed, and jealousy. Gambling always has a detrimental impact on low and moderate income individuals and families...Proponents say that state-sponsored slot machine gambling will be used primarily for public educationin truth, it is a regressive tax on the poor. Currently, television ads on the Question 7 referendum tell us that jobs and more money for public education will happen if you vote yes. But I ask, at what cost? What will be the effect of more gambling on our poor and desperate brothers and sisters seeking to solve their financial problems by "hitting the jackpot?" And do we really want our children's educations to be funded by means that we know will cause so much hardship to so many families? The debatable good ends will not justify the costly means if this initiative is passed. Thus I will be voicing my opposition to this ballot initiative, citing our Convention Resolution in 2008." So here is perhaps why so many people take issue with Christians/Episcopalians. We have a strong opinion come election time but we forget them in the light of the Super Bowl or perhaps we think we are holier than thou and not at risk of the dangers of gambling. I am perhaps over-emphasizing the issue but its these types of subtleties that define our little corner of Christianity and shape how people view the entirety of our faith. I apologize for being a bit harsh. But its something to think on. All this said in prayer.

Sincerely and With Blessings,

P.C. Kangrga