From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Bergen Record Letter Date: Tue, 22 Jul 1997 22:37:35 -0400 (EDT) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 10 congregations and religious organizations and 43 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. July 22, 1997 Bergen Record 150 River Street Hackensack, NJ 07602 Dear Editors: In her July 20 letter, Mary DeGrado said that Fair Lawn is a diverse community with many cultures and large Jewish and Christian populations. She then proceeded use this as an excuse for keeping a gay teacher out of the schools on religious grounds. It is extremely likely in such a diverse community that there are many parents, Christian, Jewish, and otherwise, who would welcome a gay teacher into the schools. It is also equally likely that there are other teachers and potential teachers who could be excused for religious reasons which Ms. DeGrado would not like. In a culturally diverse society, personal Biblical interpretation, no matter how popular, is not a good basis for public school policy. 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.