Subject: IWG Scientific American Christian Coalition letter
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Mon, 14 Sep 1998 23:05:39 -0400 (EDT)

September 14, 1998

Scientific American
415 Madison Avenue
New York,  NY 10017

Dear Editors:

We were amused by Steve Mirsky's comments about Pat
Robertson's meteorological predictions ("Tomorrow,
Partly Froggy").  And we especially appreciated the
fact that Mr. Mirsky took pains not to criticize all
religious people on the basis of Mr. Robertson's
behavior.  However, Mr. Mirsky is overlooking a
distinction between religious groups that is more
important than whether they have broadcast outlets:
whether they use those outlets to influence elections
and promote public policies based on the sort of
beliefs that Mr. Mirsky lampoons.  

The idea that a Stephen J. Gould lecture or a
particular sexual activity could influence the
weather is initially amusing.  But when that sort of
thinking leads to policies which deprive children of
a decent scientific education, then it rapidly ceases
to be funny.  Remember: Pat Robertson controls the
Christian Coalition, and the Christian Coalition
exerts a great deal of political power, consistently
attempting to influence education policies at the
local, state and federal levels.

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.