Who says thou shalt not gamble? Church minister wins big in Postcode Lottery

Published on Wednesday 10 November 2010 14:33

SAINT Paul wrote that "the love of money is the root of all evil" and the Book of Proverbs warns: "Cast but a glance at riches, and they are gone, for they will surely sprout wings and fly off to the sky like an eagle."

But a United Free Church of Scotland minister and his wife have won a 30,000 jackpot after ploughing 50 a month into playing the People's Postcode Lottery.

The Rev Peter de Villiers and his wife Welda were told the news by presenter Judie McCourt at their home in Wishaw, Lanarkshire, last week. The minister won 12,000 and his wife 18,000.

The United Free Church of Scotland staunchly opposes all forms of gambling, and the Church has indicated it will have a "private discussion" with the minister about the apparent contradiction between his actions and its beliefs.

But the minister was unrepentant yesterday. The couple are looking forward to spending the windfall in their native South Africa.

Mr de Villiers, 54, who is seconded to the United Free Church from the United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, has lived in Scotland for five years.

He said: "We are here as guests of the Church and it has been very good to us. We did not wish to cause the United Free Church any embarrassment.

"Ultimately, it is down to the individual's conscience. I don't think we've done anything wrong. Like the Bible, our teachings are open to interpretation. I have spoken with our general secretary, who is in agreement with me."

He said he had no plans to spend any of the money on the congregation or parish but instead buy a new house in his home country.

• Where the Church stands on gambling

"By winning the Postcode Lottery, our prayers have been answered," Mr de Villiers said. "We will now be able to go back to Africa knowing we can buy a home."

He added: "People should play the Postcode Lottery as it helps so many charities nationwide."

The United Free Church of Scotland, which came into being in 1900 with the union of the Free Church of Scotland and the United Presbyterian Church, has repeatedly spoken out against gambling, which it describes as "an activity which appeals to our selfish natures". The Rev John Fulton, the Church's general secretary, said: "The position of the United Free Church of Scotland on gambling was fully discussed by the General Assembly in 2004, where concern was expressed on the harmful effects it can have on society."As a result, the assembly urged members to abstain from participating in activities such as lotteries.

"We are aware of Mr de Villiers' recent win in the People's Postcode Lottery and this is a matter which will be discussed with him privately.

"Having come to us from South Africa, it may be he was not fully aware of the position the United Free Church has taken in the past."

Asked if Mr de Villiers would face any sanction from the Church, Mr Fulton replied: "I would think that is unlikely.

"We will have a private discussion with him, but I think that may well be the end of the matter."

The Postcode Lottery was launched in the north-east of England in 2005 before spreading to Scotland. It has donated more than 10 million to charities across the UK since its launch.

People register to take part and their ticket is based on their postcode. Five times every month, awards of 30,000 are made to a particular postcode, with everyone holding a winning ticket sharing the prize.

Having more than one ticket increases the chances of your postcode being drawn, as well as boosting your share of the prize money.