From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Rapid City SD letter Date: Sat, 17 May 1997 23:46:26 -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, 1997 Letters Editor Rapid City Journal Box 450 Rapid City, SD 57709 In his letter of May 11, John A. Beardsley, III claims that homosexuality runs contrary to scripture and the teachings of Christianity. There are so many different interpretations of scripture on so many issues that there is very little that anyone can say concretely about the teachings of Christianity, and sexual orientation is without question an area in which there is very little agreement. The time-honored American tradition is to allow for debate within denominations over biblical interpretation, and to accept the creation of new sects and denominations when agreement cannot be reached, without worrying about who qualifies as a "True Christian." It is the job of each citizen, living under a constitution which guarantees religious liberty, to respect other's beliefs and affirm each individual's right to be different. 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.