From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: Sorry. Corrected Inquirer Letter Date: Fri, 16 Oct 1998 19:50:00 -0400 (EDT) October 13, 1998 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: We grieve for the loss of Matthew Shepard, for his family, and for everyone who lives with considerably more fear now than they did before his death. 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 from Steve Schwalm of the Family Research Council (FRC), which is one of a large group of organizations that have recently engaged in a nationwide anti-gay ad campaign. We regularly read FRC materials; Schwalm's blatantly incorrect comment that only "militant homosexuals" believe that the FRC's statements are hateful and extremist is typical. They claim that sexual minorities are condemned by God and all religious institutions, are a threat to society, are without any support from heterosexuals, and are 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.