From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Fairfax (VA) letter Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 23:50:20 -0400 (EDT) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 10 congregations and religious organizations and 39 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. May 17, 1997 The Fairfax Journal 6883 Commercial Drive Springfield, VA 22159 Dear Editors: The May 11 Associated Press article about the Christian Coalition's Baltimore event gave the mistaken impression (which the Coalition is trying to build on) that African-American clergy have inherently conservative notions about the definition of family. No one factor, such as skin color or a broadly-defined set of religious beliefs (e.g. "Christianity"), can accurately predict an individual's opinions on any one issue. There is a diversity of opinion about sexuality and other social issues among Christians, African- Americans, and African-American Christians. 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.