From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG NY Post Kerrison/Pride Response Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 23:46:42 -0400 (EDT) July 4, 1998 The New York Post 1211 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10036 Dear Editors: Must Ray Kerrison classify every disagreement with the official doctrines of the Roman Catholic Church as "Christian bashing?" There are many different kinds of Christians in the world, including quite a few who walk in Pride Parades, some of whom are Catholics. Until a few years ago it was our experience in Philadelphia that the media automatically edited out the rather substantial religious participation in the local parade, and only showed those elements that Kerrison believes are "intrinsic" to a Pride Parade. The media should be giving an accurate portrayal which involves gay and integrated religious organizations, women on motorcycles, AIDS prevention organizations, men in drag, choruses, and families with children. If people came down and saw the parades in person they could decide for themselves which parts were "intrinsic" to them. What's intrinsic to us is that so many different people can march together in the same parade without sacrificing their unique identities and without fighting each other over doctrine. It's an example we could all stand to follow. 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. Celebrating Religious Liberty and Defending Democracy Rev. Barry Lynn, Americans United for Separation of Church and State; Jerry Mondesire, NAACP * Larry Frankel, ACLU * Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell Thursday, July 9, 7:30 pm, First Unitarian Church of Philadelphia, 2125 Chestnut http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/special.html