Subject: IWG Daily News Mercer Response Date: Sun, 11 Feb 1996 17:07:13 -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 7, 1996 Editors The Philadelphia Daily News PO Box 7788 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: In his February 6 letter, Daniel Mercer accuses Jerry Falwell of hyperbole for suggesting that gays will take over America, and you for linking Rev. Falwell's comments to violence. He then goes on to conclude that Rev. Falwell is correct, and threatens violence against gays if the majority's right to discriminate is abridged. It is a sad value system that considers legalized discrimination to be our crowning achievement, or that characterizes any number of acts of random violence as "absurdly small" as though more should be expected. Contrary to Mr. Mercer's assertion, it is a value system that most Americans do not support. However repugnant Mr. Mercer's ideas may be, he cannot be fired or denied housing for voicing them, because discrimination on the basis of religious beliefs and practices is illegal. Extending this protection to sexual minorities constitutes equal rights, not special rights. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators