Baptists and Governor elect at odds over lottery

Many people feel a lottery is the best way to come up with money for education. But Oklahoma Baptists are taking a stand against it. <br><br>They passed a resolution to oppose it at their annual convention

Thursday, November 14th 2002, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Many people feel a lottery is the best way to come up with money for education. But Oklahoma Baptists are taking a stand against it.

They passed a resolution to oppose it at their annual convention this week. That puts them at odds with Governor-Elect Brad Henry who ran on the idea. Henry is also a deacon in the Baptist Church.

Church leaders say lotteries prey on the poor and will ruin a strong work ethic in the state. Henry disagrees. "I simply believe we have a higher moral calling to make sure our children are well educated in Oklahoma."

Dr Lonnie Latham, South Tulsa Baptist Church, "I think if we sow on the concept of a lottery we're encouraging people to take chances to betray the needs of their families and live on false hopes.â€

Henry wants the idea of a lottery to go to a statewide vote.