From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG West Virginia Letter Date: Fri, 8 Aug 1997 23:01:23 -0400 (EDT) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 10 congregations and religious organizations and 44 clergy from 14 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. August 8, 1997 Charleston Gazette 1001 E. Virginia St. Charleston, WV 25301 Dear Editors: J. L. Phillips' plea for understanding was very moving (August 8). It is indeed important to recognize that Southern Baptists have a mission beyond the Disney boycott, and that they are ordinary members of the community who worship, work hard, participate in civic activities, play well with others and do their best to raise their children. It would be nice, however, if Phillips recognized these same qualities in sexual minorities, many of whom are closeted Southern Baptists. Unlike the Southern Baptist Convention, gay rights organizations did not call for boycotts of organizations that promote a Southern Baptist lifestyle. Those who support the Disney boycott might want to set aside the time to visit a gay-friendly, or predominately gay, church, synagogue, or meeting house. They might be pleasantly surprised. 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.