Subject: IWG Fort Wayne Reggie White letter
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 20 May 1998 23:14:04 -0400 (EDT)

The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and
organizations and 56 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.

May 20, 1998

Fort Wayne News-Sentinel
600 West Main St.
Fort Wayne, IN 46802

Dear Editor:

Charles P. DeSanto's May 13 commentary regarding
reactions to Reggie White requires a response.  First
of all, we have not heard anyone describe Rev. White's
comments about race and ethnicity as intentionally
malicious.  But some problems with stereotypes are that
they have the effect of limiting individuals whose
talents are different from the stereotype; they ignore
or gloss over historical realities; they reinforce one
trait as the most important aspect of an individual;
and they confuse physiology and culture.  

On the other hand, Mr. DeSanto's remarks about sexual
orientation represent religious stereotyping.  There is
a wide variety of religious belief and practice in this
country among Christians, Jews, and people of many
other faiths.  Rev. White's beliefs concerning sexual
orientation are shared by many religious people, and
this being a country that upholds freedom of religion
and speech he has every right to state his opinions. 
However, both he and Mr. DeSanto should realize that,
by the same token, there are a significant number of
people with different religious beliefs and practices
who are exercising their right to state that Rev.
White's remarks and his choice of venues for stating
them are religiously and socially offensive to them and
run counter to their beliefs.  Many Christians believe
that it is an anti-homosexual reading of the Bible that
requires picking and choosing "only those portions we
like or that suit our current practice."    

Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom     Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators

-- 

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.

Sunday, May 31, 4 pm, First Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, 21st and Walnut
Marching in the Light benefit concert http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/concert.html