From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Inquirer letter Date: Sat, 14 Jun 1997 15:07:19 -0400 (EDT) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 10 congregations and religious organizations and 41 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. June 14, 1997 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: We were going to let Leonard Pitt Jr.'s column on homosexuality and Christian biblical interpretation pass without comment, since it seemed well-balanced and honest, and Mr. Pitt stated quite plainly that he did not claim to have any answers. However, George Galcik and the Rev. Paul E. Randolph were not content to let Mr. Pitt wonder out loud, but felt compelled to cite chapter and verse in laying out their own theological positions. Rev. Randolph even expressed some concern about journalists who happen to see things differently. But it is not just journalists who see things differently from Rev. Randolph. There are many Christian and Jewish clergy and congregations who do not believe that homosexuality is inherently sinful, including many who do not think that the question of genetic determination even has any bearing on the issue, as well as many who, like Mr. Galcik, classify themselves as "Bible believing." 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.