Subject: IWG: Matthew Shepard, Philadelphia Daily News
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 18:29:51 -0400 (EDT)

October 14, 1998

Philadelphia Daily News
PO Box 7788
Phila., PA 19101

Dear Editors:

We are working for the day when being gay will not be a
subject of embarrassment, when people have enough
respect for each other that they don't beat each other
to death just because they're different, and when the
law reflects that there are no exceptions to "equal
treatment."  What sets Matthew Shepard's death apart
from other murders is that it has terrorized millions
of sexual minorities who fear that they will be next
and it has emboldened others to act on their
prejudices.  Many religious organizations have reacted
by speaking out against sexual minorities with more
fervor than against the violence.  Now is the time for
people of faith 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.