Date: Sat, 16 Oct 1999 00:59:10 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Dallas "lifestyle acceptance" letter October 13, 1999 Dallas Morning News Box 655237 Dallas, TX 75265 Dear Editors: We were confused by Waymon O. Smith's October 10 letter, especially his reference to "acceptance" of "the homosexual lifestyle" which Smith calls an "onerous and ugly belief." Same-gender sexual attraction is neither a lifestyle nor a belief. It is a fairly common minority characteristic, making it difficult to understand exactly what it means to "accept" or "never accept" it. We are among the many people of faith who believe that same-gender relationships are morally and ethically equivalent to mixed-gender relationships. As people living in a Constitutional democracy, we must accept that there are those whose beliefs, practices, and attractions are different from the majority, and who are also entitled to equal protection under the law. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and religious organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. For more letters visit http://www.iwgonline.org/letters/ -- Interfaith Working Group http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829