From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG USA Today Matthew Shepard Date: Wed, 21 Oct 1998 00:36:02 -0400 (EDT) October 20, 1998 USA Today 1000 Wilson Blvd. Arlington,VA 22229 Dear Editors: We certainly respect Robert Knight's right to free speech and free exercise of religion. Unfortunately, Mr. Knight's version of "championing the traditional family" includes denigrating sexual minorities in a number of ways: he claims that they are condemned by God and all religious institutions, that they are a threat to society, that they are without any support from heterosexuals, and that they are undeserving of equal treatment under the law. People of faith who support full legal and religious recognition of the equality of sexual minorities and their families need to stand with those who are systematically oppressed and speak out against violence and discrimination. 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.