From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Inquirer church/state letter Date: Thu, 18 Dec 1997 22:51:46 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and organizations and 53 clergy from 15 religious traditions. 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. December 17, 1997 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: Surely the placement of a creche on the Judge Lewis Quadrangle by the Catholic League deserved more in-depth coverage than a color photograph and caption. The display was allowed because of a major court decision involving the balance of the establishment, free exercise, and free speech clauses of the first amendment, and yet it was erected by an organization which has at least twice in recent memory taken the lead in attempting to limit artistic religious expression involving other Catholics: the Penn State student art exhibition and the ABC drama Nothing Sacred. Aren't the facts of this story more interesting than the mere visuals? 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.