Subject: IWG KBRT Letter
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Sun, 7 Sep 1997 18:21:39 -0400 (EDT)

The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 10 congregations and religious
organizations and 46 clergy from 14 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.

September 5, 1997

Ed Personius
Station Manager 
KBRT Radio - 740 AM
3183D Airway Ave.
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

Dear Mr. Personius:

It was reported in the Los Angeles Times on September
5 that on August 29, Rich Agozino "urged callers to
write to their state legislators asking them to enact
laws that would punish homosexuality according to
biblical law, meaning capital punishment." You
reportedly characterized this statement as
"encouraging listeners to follow the word of God," and
"an honest dialogue concerning Christian beliefs."

American civil law is based on and restricted by the
constitution of the United States, not a single
group's understanding of the Bible (and many other
groups--Christian and non-Christian--have different
understandings of that book).  It is that constitution
which grants you free speech, the free exercise of
religion and freedom of the press.  However, freedom
of speech must be used responsibly, and in this
particular case, Mr. Agozino's comments could be
interpreted by some people as permission and/or
encouragement to commit acts of violence against
sexual minorities.  As the station manager, you should
carefully consider whether your employees are being
appropriate, civil, and responsible in their on-air
remarks.

If you are really interested in an honest dialogue
concerning Christian beliefs and sexuality, we would
suggest giving air time to Christians who support full
equality for sexual minorities.

Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom     Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators

-- 

Interfaith Working Group                Religious organizations, congregations
[email-masked]                      and clergy supporting gay rights,
http://www.libertynet.org/~iwg/         reproductive freedom, and the 
215-235-3050                            separation of church and state.