Subject: IWG: Matthew Shepard, Miami Herald
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 19:29:08 -0400 (EDT)

October 14, 1998

Miami Herald
1 Herald Plaza
Miami, FL  33132

Dear Editors:

Your October 13 editorial about Matthew Shepard and the
causes of anti-gay violence missed a point which was
underscored by an article the same day about the
Christian Coalition opposing inclusion of sexual
orientation in anti-discrimination laws.  This position
and others taken by the Christian Coalition and other
organizations involved in the national anti-gay ad
campaign imply that sexual minorities are condemned by
God and all religious institutions, are a threat to
society, are without any support from heterosexuals,
and are undeserving of equal treatment under the law. 
Moral people who believe otherwise need to stand with
those who are systematically oppressed and speak out
against violence and discrimination.

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.