Subject: IWG Inquirer Barnett Slepian
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 5 Nov 1998 23:37:11 -0500 (EST)

November 3, 1998

The Philadelphia Inquirer
PO Box 8263
Phila., PA 19101

Dear Editors:

Melissa Dribben's column about Dr. Slepian's murder and
the lack of outrage appeared the morning after an
interfaith service was held at the First Baptist Church
of Philadelphia to remember and mourn Matthew Shepard,
James Byrd, Barnett Slepian, and all victims of crimes
of hate (the collection was divided between the Matthew
Shepard Memorial Fund and the Southern Poverty Law
Center).  We too are alarmed at apathy in the face of
violence against those who are killed for their ideas,
identities, beliefs, or practices.  We commend all
those who continue their work despite the threat of
violence.  And we thank the musicians and singers, the
churches that donated space for the service, choir
rehearsal and planning, the many clergy and laity who
planned and participated in the service, and everyone
who attended.  The Alliance of LGBT Religious
Communities, the Union of American Hebrew
Congregations, and the Federation of Reform Synagogues
of Greater Philadelphia joined the Interfaith Working
Group in sponsoring this event.  As long as so many
people are pledging to act and speak out against hatred
and hate-inspired violence, there is hope.  

Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom     Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators

The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 16 congregations and
organizations and 60 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.

-- 

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.