Subject: IWG, Matthew Shepard, Akron Beacon Journal
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 19:37:00 -0400 (EDT)

October 14, 1998

Akron Beacon Journal
44 E. Exchange Street
Akron, OH  44328

Dear Editor:

We are writing in support of the comments by Rabbi
David Horowitz that you printed on October 11. 
Millions of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered
people suffer fear and anxiety every time someone is
attacked because of their orientation or identity. 
Some religious people try to equate homosexuality with
shame or sickness, or scare people with talk of an
unspecified "homosexual agenda."  However, many
religious institutions, as Rabbi Horowitz recommends,
welcome sexual minorities and their families into full
participation, rather than promoting their ostracism
and demonization.  If all religious institutions were
welcoming in this way, or even if they just taught that
all people are entitled to equal treatment under the
law, this would be a safer, happier nation not just for
sexual minorities, but for all who value liberty and
justice.

Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom     Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators

The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 15 congregations and
organizations and 59 clergy from 16 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.

-- 

Interfaith Working Group                Religious organizations, congregations
[email-masked]                      and clergy supporting gay rights,
http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/          reproductive freedom, and the 
215-235-3050                            separation of church and state.