From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Joplin MO letter Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 23:48:30 -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, 1996 The Joplin Globe PO Box 7 Joplin, MO 64801 Dear Editors: In his May 9 letter Rev. A.W. Lavender says that Holy Scriptures universally condemn what he calls a "sickening way of living." Sexual orientation is not a "way of living;" it is an aspect of an individual. Whether it is genetic, chosen, or, as most scientific researchers agree, determined at a very early age, homosexuality is not a disease, and does not require a cure. Sexual minorities deserve just as much respect, love, and affirmation as everyone else. Freedom of association and speech must be protected for sexual minorities as much as for an individual--of any orientation--who has chosen a particular religion. 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.