From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG LA Times religious liberty letter Date: Sat, 1 Aug 1998 22:58:16 -0400 (EDT) August 1, 1998 Los Angeles Times Times Mirror Square Los Angeles, CA 90053 Dear Editors: While the ad from Exodus and other politically- oriented religious organizations that appeared in your paper was ostensibly aimed at the conversion of sexual minorities, it also spoke directly against the notion of religious liberty, which was fundamental in the founding of this nation, and is stated so eloquently in the First Amendment. We can't talk about sin as a nation because the sin is by definition an inherently religious concept and United States citizens come from thousands of religious traditions. Our ability to live in peace and religious diversity isn't a weakness, it's a strength that makes us the envy of the world. There are many, many theological issues that Christians and other people have faith have disagreed over. Do we want a national debate on baptism, or tithing, or Jesus' mother Mary, or the nature of Jesus, or religious dietary laws, or the ordination of women, or what happens to bread and wine during communion, or eternal life vs. reincarnation, or faith healing, or which day the sabbath should be observed? We've been handling these debates for over 200 years with great success by letting people decide for themselves what the truth is, and to believe or not believe as they see fit. That's the American way. It's religious liberty that allows congregations and clergy from many religious traditions, including Christianity, to stand together in support of the lives and rights of sexual minorities. The truth is that no matter what sexual orientation you are, you have the right to believe what you want, and to be religiously observant or not. And if you are gay there's a congregation or religious support group out there that understands you, and is ready to welcome you, and stand by you, just as you are. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 16 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 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.