East Boston Clergy: 'It's Time for Solidarity -
It's Time for Action'
In an historic display of unity, East Boston ministers - representing multiple
faith traditions and ethnic heritages - are urging their congregations, small
business owners, nonprofit leaders and concerned residents towards a 'Day of
Solidarity and Action' in opposition to the proposed casino at Suffolk Downs.
The Friends of East Boston, a grassroots network of more than thirty local
ministers, are organizing the multi-congregation event, which will be
commissioned into action from Most Holy Redeemer Catholic Church, on Sunday,
October 20, after Mass.
"I realize we live in difficult economic times, but that is no reason for our
great Commonwealth to resort to inviting into our midst a business that will
inevitably cause more human suffering," says Fr. Thomas Domurat, pastor of Most
Holy Redeemer and founding member of Friends of East Boston. "The people of East
Boston deserve better."
The ministers join a growing movement of strong, local voices urging a
casino-free future for their community. "We're thrilled pastors are encouraging
their people towards action as it relates to this pressing local concern,"
states Jessica Curtis, Policy Director of No Eastie Casino, "because regardless
of race, culture or creed, the damaging consequences of a casino in our
neighborhood will affect us all."
Members of the Friends of East Boston oppose the casino because of its affect on
crime, addiction, pollution, bankruptcy, insurance rates, and other impacts, but
leaders stress the group does not exist simply to be against a casino in our
community. They say they oppose this project because East Boston's best days are
yet to come - and they'll be casino-free.
"Jesus said, 'Give to Caesar what belongs to Caesar, and to God what belongs to
God,'" explains Rev. David Searles, pastor of Central Assembly of God on
Bennington Street. "Our town does not belong to Caesars Entertainment,"
referencing the multinational company behind the casino bid. "For our families
and for our future, it's time for solidarity - it's time for action."
A joint press conference organized by the Friends of East Boston and No Eastie
Casino will be held on Tuesday, October 15, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church on
Paris Street, at 10 AM.
