A paper distributed to participants of a Pacific Conference of Churches seminar in Samoa says it is unacceptable for Christians to be involved in any form of gambling.
The document mentions the introduction of casinos in Samoa and says government leaders who say gambling benefit the communities are believing a lie.
Last week, amid opposition objections the government pushed a bill through Parliament that introduces casinos and the bill now needs only the signature of the Head of State to become law.
The Pacific Conference of Churches is holding a week-long seminar on Human Rights, Good Governance and Leadership.
Amongst other reasons its document says gambling is wrong because gain is achieved at the suffering of others and because it is inconsistent with the work ethic of Scripture.
The Chairman of the Samoa Council of Churches, the Reverend Oka Fauolo, repeated that its members oppose casinos.
