From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG NY Times ad response Date: Mon, 13 Jul 1998 23:38:46 -0400 (EDT) July 13, 1998 The New York Times 229 W. 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 Dear Editors: In America most of us are free to choose what to believe, to exercise or not exercise our religious beliefs, and to marry another consenting adult, without fear of government intervention or reprisal from our employers. We think it's wonderful that Anne Paulk exercised those rights. We also think it's a shame that she's chosen to appear in an advertisement financed by a group of mostly politically-oriented organizations, including many with a consistent record of supporting legislation that would limit those very same freedoms to heterosexual conservative Christians. The real truth is that no one has to make a choice between their religion and the people they love unless they really want to. There are congregations and support groups from many religious traditions that accept gays and lesbians as they are, encouraging them in faith and action, and standing with them in their joys and sorrows. We provide referrals through email (iwg@libertynet.org) and we have links to a wide variety of documents and organizations through our web page (www.libertynet.org/iwg). 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. Similar letters are also going to the other two papers where this ad is scheduled to appear: The Washington Post 1150 15th Street NW Washington, DC 20071 USA Today 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington,VA 22229 We stongly encourage you to write letters to all three papers as soon as possible. The door has been opened. Get your feet in. -- 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.