Date: Sat, 21 Aug 1999 20:37:43 -0700 (PDT)
Subject: IWG Chicago Language Letter
From: iwg@iwgonline.org


August 21, 1999

Chicago Tribune
435 N. Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

Dear Editors:

Janice Neumann's August 19 article about the
vandalism of church signs had several problems with
accuracy and terminology.  The rainbow flag is
generally known as the "Pride Flag," the "Gay Pride
Flag," or the "BGLT Pride Flag," not as a "symbol of
tolerance for homosexuals."  While it is still true
that a (shrinking) majority of religious people
object to same-gender sexual behavior, there is no
inherent "friction" between "faith" and minority
sexual orientations (which Neumann referred to as
"alternative lifestyles" and "non-traditional sexual
orientations").  This usage was especially peculiar
since in the same article Neumann noted that some
churches fly rainbow flags, and she quoted the pastor
of University Church, who correctly noted that there
are "many, many people who are religious and who
support gays and lesbians."  And, we would add, there
are many people of faith who are gay, lesbian,
bisexual, or transgendered.

Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom     Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators

The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and
organizations and 65 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
http://www.iwgonline.org
iwg@iwgonline.org
voice: 215-235-3050
fax: 215-232-0829