From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG: Matthew Shepard, NY Times Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 19:19:10 -0400 (EDT) October 14, 1998 The New York Times 229 W. 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 Dear Editors: Thank you for your editorial following the death of Matthew Shepard. The difference between crimes inspired by hate and other crimes is that they are aimed not just at the individual who suffers directly, but at everyone who shares the characteristic that inspired the attack. Crimes like this influence others to imitate them and serve by reference as a weapon of intimidation. Not only is Matthew Shepard no longer with us, but millions of people are frightened and/or angry. We are especially upset by the comments of Steven Schwalm and John Paulk. Is Mr. Schwalm suggesting that beating someone to death, or encouraging someone else to do so is a "pro-family belief"? Was the beating "a disagreement with the political message of homosexual activists?" John Paulk condemns violence, but qualifies that condemnation by saying that sexual minorities are advocating an "agenda contrary to Biblical norms." These kinds of statements contribute to an environment in which sexual minorities are viewed as condemned by all religious institutions, a threat to society without any support in the society at large, and undeserving of equal treatment under the law. The truth is that people of faith from many religious traditions support full legal and religious recognition of the equality of sexual minorities and their families. 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 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.