From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Wall Street Journal Letter Date: Sun, 9 Feb 1997 00:00:43 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 3 congregations, 5 religious organizations and 37 clergy from 12 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. February 9, 1997 Wall Street Journal 200 Liberty St. New York, NY 10281 Dear Editors: Jason L. Riley completely ignores the possibility that classifying people on the basis of a single trait, combined with a belief in their own moral superiority, led to the persecution of religious and racial minorities for which Ralph Reed now wants his colleagues to atone. Nor does he consider whether those same tendencies have led the Religious Right to an insistence on using law to enforce strict gender roles. The Christian Coalition's offer of assistance to poor African Americans certainly seems generous; but if the offer comes from a perception of shared prejudices, in an effort to turn racial and sexual minorities against each other, or without an understanding of the ideological problems which have led to past discrimination, then the program will do little to improve society. 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.