Virtue in Sin City

Food, thrill rides, water parks, museums, exotic animals and huge shopping malls. What more could you want in a family vacation?

But to get to these attractions you'll have to navigate noisy casino floors, cross paths with scantily clad cocktail waitresses and dodge men who aggressively hand out pornography on the street.

Welcome to Las Vegas. Does your clergyman know you're here?

He may be sitting next to you. Richard Wolf, an elder in the North Salt Lake congregation of the Jehovah's Witnesses, enjoys an occasional visit to the Strip.

Wolf joins other Salt Lake Valley religious leaders in saying it's possible to stay true to one's principles in Sin City — a good thing since it's no more than half a day's drive from anywhere in Utah.

The decision to visit Las Vegas is a matter of personal conscience, Wolf says. But, he cautions, "Don't put yourself in harm's way."

That seems to be the prevailing attitude of local clergy: It's OK to visit, but be careful.

Bishop George H. Niederauer of the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake City liked the family-friendly emphasis of a few years ago — and he's noticed a sea change in the city's current marketing campaign.

"But, now I've seen the ads, 'What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas,' like it's a free zone for misbehavior," Bishop Niederauer said.

There is no free zone, religious leaders say, so don't expect to check in your principles at the city-limits sign. And be prepared to be vigilant.

"I think they need to protect their spiritual life," said the Rev. Mike Gray, senior pastor of Salt Lake's Southeast Baptist Church. "It does have a lot to draw you away from your convictions. . . . Gambling is addictive and the lights are bright."

It helps to know one's limits, even plan ahead.

Visitors to the Strip should not be compulsive about gambling and perhaps set a strict budget if they are going to gamble, said the Rev. Steve Goodier of Christ United Methodist Church in Salt Lake.

"Using $20 for entertainment is OK," he said.

The Rev. Art Ritter of Salt Lake's First Congregational Church said he has never been to Las Vegas. He said his faith teaches people to use their money wisely, so out-of-control gambling isn't smart. Those who have gambling addictions should definitely stay away, he said.

"We do see gambling as a social problem," the Rev. Goodier said.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints takes a particularly hard line against gambling, condemning it even when used solely as entertainment.