From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Wall Street Journal letter Date: Sun, 5 Apr 1998 23:36:30 -0400 (EDT) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and organizations and 56 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. April 5, 1998 Wall Street Journal 200 Liberty St. New York, NY 10281 Dear Editors: Andrew Peyton Thomas's comments regarding Reggie White's unfortunate remarks were far worse than the original remarks themselves. To Rev. White's stereotype of African-Americans being created by God to sing and dance, Mr. Thomas adds a stereotype of social and religious conservatism. Corretta Scott King, an outspoken supporter of equal rights for sexual minorities, frequently reminds us all that her husband said that injustice anywhere hurts people everywhere. There are people of all faiths and ethnic backgrounds who reject the notion that homosexuality is inherently sinful. Mr. Thomas, like Rev. White, should concentrate on the gifts, contributions, and attitudes of individuals who happen to come from many backgrounds, instead of trying to force everyone from one ethnic group into a simplistic model of belief and behavior. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators -- 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.