'īelow is PJ Johnson's live-shot during the rally.Another group has entered a bid to build a casino in Bristol, Virginia. We look forward to working with all to making this development an asset for the region. The rest will be for the resort and and a much needed convention and conference center. Once completed, only 10 percent of the project will be used for the casino. This will be a family friendly resort and casino locally owned by Jim McGlothlin and Clyde Stacy, who are committed to making this a safe place and asset for all in the region. This resort and casino will provide hope and dignity through work for thousands in our area.

We believe this is a matter of personal decision and individual responsibility, and hope the community maintains an open mind about this project, which will bring 2,000 good paying jobs when it opens and 5,200 by year seven. 'We appreciate that there are differing views among the faith community about the Bristol Mall project and its significant benefit to our community. They released this statement to us after the rally ended: We reached out to the Bristol Resort and Casino Team for comment. Yay or nay, we will live with how that goes,' said Price. 'There will be a local referendum where the citizens of Bristol, Virginia will be able to speak. Some of the leaders said that all the protests and petitions may not matter in the end. Judas was, I'm not,' said Gary Montgomery, the senior pastor of Parkway Baptist Church. 'Jobs may come, revenue may come, but at the expense of how many lives, and families, and local businesses?' said Price.Īt times the rally resembled a church service with singing and preaching.īut if the developers of the casino would also help area churches, would that make the plan more acceptable? He understands the economic challenges facing Bristol, Virginia but says a casino is not the answer. 'Gambling addicts will do whatever is necessary to obtain money to feed their addiction,' said Scott Price, the senior pastor at Fellowship Chapel. Signs were passed out, petitions were signed, and community religious leaders issued a warning. I spoke to some pastors and asked why they oppose the casino.Īn overflow crowd gathered at Cumberland Square Park for the 'Say No To The Casino Rally.' It drew hundreds of community members from multiple states. Local church leaders hosted the 'Say No To The Casino Rally.'

The Bristol Casino is a hot topic of debate in our area.Īlthough it's projected to give thousands of jobs to local workers, some organizations don't see any benefits.

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