From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Akron Catholic Bishops Letter Date: Sun, 5 Oct 1997 23:04:16 -0400 (EDT) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 10 congregations and religious organizations and 49 clergy from 14 faiths and 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. October 5, 1997 Akron Beacon Journal 44 E. Exchange Street Akron, OH 44328 Dear Editor: Thank you for your very positive editorial regarding the Catholic bishops' letter. We sincerely hope and pray that individual congregations, inside and outside the Catholic church, will learn from and honestly discuss the life stories of members who are sexual minorities or who have sexual minority children. We cannot overcome hatred until we discuss difficult issues openly and with candor instead of treating people as abstract concepts or statistics. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators -- Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations iwg@libertynet.org and clergy supporting gay rights, http://www.libertynet.org/~iwg/ reproductive freedom, and the 215-235-3050 separation of church and state.