From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Boston Globe Lawrence Pride Letter Date: Sat, 13 Jun 1998 22:49:41 -0400 (EDT) June 13, 1998 The Boston Globe Box 2378 Boston, MA 02107 Dear Editors: Your June 11 story regarding the reaction of churches in Lawrence to the city's first pride parade was very sad. There is not much anyone can do in an overcrowded and technologically-linked world in order to avoid seeing other people. If members of the churches discussed in the article had stayed to watch the parade, they might have seen something that was difficult to reconcile with their fears: that the people in the parade mostly look and act like any other bunch of people you might see on the street on any other day. We couldn't tell from your article, but we certainly hope that there were gay-friendly congregations and clergy in Lawrence who set a good example by marching in the parade (as our organization does here in Philadelphia) and encouraging others to show their support by marching or watching. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 15 congregations and organizations and 58 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. -- 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.