Subject: IWG Economist letter Date: Wed, 7 Feb 1996 22:34:03 -0500 (EST) From: Chris Purdom The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 2 congregations, 4 religious organizations and 21 clergy from 9 denominations. If you are in the general Philadelphia area and represent a congregation or religious organization or are clergy, let us know if you want to be added - all faiths are welcome. We will also be happy to help start similar organizations in other areas. Visit the web page at http://www.qrd.org/qrd/www/religion/orgs/iwg/ February 4, 1996 The Economist 25 St. James St. London, SW1A 1HG United Kingdom Dear Editors: Thank you for your excellent articles on same-sex marriage and the ordinariness of homosexuality. The depth of opposition presented by conservative Christians in the United States was extraordinarily understated; and the unfortunate degree to which those who would marry have found themselves un- wittingly thrust into the spotlight of a politico- religious war was completed neglected. A ridiculously small number of religious extremists have acquired an alarming amount of power as the average citizen sits back complacently. Bills which would unconstitutionally ban the recognition of other states' marriages have already been introduced in 15 states. Recognizing, as you did, that the Internet has been used to organize the gay rights movement, the Christian Coalition successfully lobbied for Internet censorship in the latest telecommunications reform bill. This fight is far from over, but your calm and reasoned coverage of these issues will do much good in bringing the subject to the attention of many who might otherwise have ignored it. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators