From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Billboard Winans Letter Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 10:06:28 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and organizations and 53 clergy from 15 religious traditions. 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. December 15, 1997 Billboard Magazine 1515 Broadway New York, NY 10036 Dear Editors: Thank you for Daniel Jenkins' commentary concerning the controversial Winans sisters song, "Not Natural." Those who objected to the song did just what the Winans sisters did: expressed disagreement with what they saw as a fundamental misrepresentation of the truth as they understood it. However, Jenkins overlooked some important points: First, he speaks of the motivation of gays and lesbians protesting the song; but there is broad-based support for the rights of sexual minorities outside of the gay community as well ("gay-rights supporters" would be a more accurate umbrella term). Second, he claims that the "naturalness" of homosexual-orientation is a debate between science and religion; unfortunately "natural" is a vague term that means different things to different people, and is not an adequate basis for deciding what is acceptable in a diverse culture. Many people believe in the moral equivalence of homosexual and heterosexual relationships because of their religious beliefs, not in spite of them, and not because of science. Third, instead of just protesting, people who opposed the song made an effort to encourage the Winans sisters to engage in dialogue with people of faith holding opposing views. Ellen DeGeneres, at least, has something positive to say. Ultimately, the most constructive approaches to social change are to either say something positive or speak civilly with those with whom you disagree. The Winans sisters felt they were contributing to society, but to criticize an entire segment of society in a song is one-sided and can only spread social discord and discourage peaceful and harmonious coexistence. 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.