From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Kansas "different" letter Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 23:01:31 -0400 (EDT) April 12, 1999 The Kansas City Star 1729 Grand Avenue Kansas City, MO 64108 Dear Editors: Thank you for publishing Rhonda Chriss Lokeman's April 11 column. We too wondered why Matthew Shepard was singled out by the prosecutor as "different," as though no potential juror could possibly relate to him. We are all different. We have different beliefs and different experiences. We shouldn't require any special reminders that the law protects all of us equally. But we know that identifiable differences can be an excuse for oppression and violence. We believe that since religion has too often been a divisive force in society, that people of faith do have a "particular responsibility" to set a good example by working with others who have different beliefs, and standing with those who are oppressed. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and organizations and 61 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. -- Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations http://www.libertynet.org/iwg and clergy supporting gay rights, iwg@libertynet.org reproductive freedom, and the voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state. Sunday May 16, 1999 5pm. Marching In the Light: IWG Benefit Concert. Old First Reformed Church. 4th and Race, Philadelphia, PA. See the web page.