From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Inquirer Voucher Letter Date: Sun, 31 May 1998 22:46:19 +2000 (EDT) The following 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. May 30, 1998 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: Cardinal Bevilaqua's request that the city pay for religious instruction is both unconstitutional and bad policy. The United States Constitution's prohibition against the establishment of a religion by Congress, and later, by extension, to the states, has been interpreted to preclude the establishment of state- funded religious schools. The Pennsylvania Constitution explicitly forbids using taxpayer money for sectarian schools. Using parents as intermediaries (so that the city gives money to parents for the sole purpose of paying the school) does not make the scheme any less illegal. Church/state separation is not an arcane concept; it is what guarantees our religious freedom by keeping the government from exercising control over religious practice, preventing people from being coerced into religious practices with which they do not agree, and guaranteeing that taxpayers do not have to fund religious institutions that do not reflect their beliefs or values. If the city offers religious schools as an official alternative to overcrowding and supposedly poor performance, it could take one of two approaches: The city could implicitly endorse the theology of those schools, aid in religious coercion, and exercise no control over what is taught. Or the city would have to bring its power to bear on a religious institution. Neither approach is desirable, or constitutional. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators -- 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.