From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Idaho Statesman Letter Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 23:33:38 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 9 congregations and religious organizations and 38 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. March 26, 1997 Idaho Statesman PO Box 40 Boise, ID 83707 Dear Editor: After reading Urey J. Simmons' letter we searched in vain for a translation of the Bible which used the phrase "gay men" in Chapter 19 of the Book of Judges. The concept of a person being homosexual did not exist at that time. The Bible is a very large book with many interpretations, and it is especially easy to prove a point about a modern social controversy if translators with a preset agenda are going to use modern language to further that agenda. In doing so, one risks obscuring other possible meanings in the original text, such as a condemnation of the still very real problem of ostensibly heterosexual men raping other men to demonstrate their superiority and subjugate their victims. 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.