From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Modesto Bee Letter Date: Sat, 24 May 1997 23:37:10 -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 24, 1997 Modesto Bee PO Box 3928 Modesto, CA 95352 Dear Editors: Dave Turnbaugh's letter accused the Modesto Bee of trying to separate politics from "the Christian religion" by advocating equal rights for sexual minorities. Mr. Turnbaugh may not realize that there is little consensus among Christians concerning the morality of homosexuality, and even less on whether Christian moral views on this subject should have any bearing on our legal and political system. Our political and legal systems are necessarily focused on the equal protection of life and property and reconciling the conflicting rights of individuals. The government must not base law on the tenets of any one religious denomination so that we can protect members of all religious persuasions equally. 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.