From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Philadelphia Inquirer Church/State letter Date: Sun, 27 Dec 1998 23:47:50 -0500 (EST) December 26, 1998 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: Linda Chavez claims that unless symbols of Christianity (and perhaps Judaism) are displayed by all levels of government during December, then she is being persecuted. Anyone who reads the Inquirer's Living Religion section will immediately see the problem inherent in this argument. People of other faiths also celebrate holidays during December and could claim persecution based on a lack of explicit endorsement (Chavez complains about the inclusion of the Winter Solstice in a municipal holiday display). And is there any reason why we should be limit government endorsement to December holidays? Some Christians celebrate Christmas on January 6, and many faiths have more important holidays at other times. Chavez may soon be claiming that she is being persecuted unless the government conducts official ceremonies around Easter and Pentecost, with a possible nod to Passover. Unless Chavez is planning on explicitly forbidding government celebration of some religions, then eventually governments will be tied up supporting all the major holidays of all branches of the Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Baha'i and Wiccan traditions. Or we could just do it the American way, leave government out of religious celebrations and let religious institutions, individuals and businesses celebrate, or not celebrate, the holidays of their choice in the manner of their choosing. 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 iwg@libertynet.org and clergy supporting gay rights, http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/ reproductive freedom, and the voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state.