From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Philadelphia Inquirer Letter Date: Sun, 16 Nov 1997 23:25:10 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and religious organizations and 50 clergy from 15 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. November 16, 1997 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: The November 14 story about the lesbian Mormon teacher in Utah who was excommunicated from the church and is facing an uncertain future at work clearly demonstrates that we have reached a point in our history, due to both population growth and advances in communication technology, when we cannot hide ourselves or our children from people with different beliefs and practices through self-imposed isolation or forced segregation. Now is the time for everyone to start working to ensure that everyone is treated equally under the law, regardless of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation, and regardless of whether we like them or agree with them. 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.