From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Deliverance Letter Date: Wed, 5 Mar 1997 00:07:23 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 3 congregations, 6 religious organizations and 37 clergy from 13 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. While we are not in the habit of writing letters to the heads of other churches, the event in question (in which Rev. Smith confiscated Integrity's banner and was subsequently interviewed in the Philadelphia Daily News) seemed like a good opportunity for education. March 4, 1997 Rev. Benjamin Smith, Sr. Deliverance Evangelistic Church 2001 W. Lehigh Ave. Phila., PA 19132 Dear Rev. Smith: We were greatly saddened when we heard of the incident involving the Philadelphia chapter of Integrity, which is a member of our organization. We understand from comments attributed to you in the Daily News that you see Deliverance Church as a gift from God which should be shared with other Christians, and that you were surprised by the inclusion of sexual minorities in the Bishop's service. We feel that it is important for you to understand that while there are still relatively few religious organizations that officially welcome non- heterosexuals, there is a rapidly growing movement among people of all faiths to welcome and ordain sexual minorities, and to reject the notion of heterosexual supremacy and the practice of sexual discrimination. We expect that as more people of faith come to a deeper understanding of sexuality issues, the official policies of most religious organizations will change, and the number of organizations who would feel welcome in your building under your current policies will rapidly decrease. We believe that people of faith are called to provide an example to the larger society of peaceful coexistence among groups with different beliefs. 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.