From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Newsweek Gaither Coverage Letter Date: Wed, 10 Mar 1999 22:47:36 -0500 (EST) March 6, 1999 Newsweek 251 West 57th St. New York, NY 10019 Dear Editors: We were disturbed by your coverage of Billy Jack Gaither's murder. Murder is not an appropriate response to an unwelcome pass, and you were extremely irresponsible to assert that if Mr. Gaither did make a pass, then it was not an unprovoked hate crime. Gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people do not have all the legal rights and responsibilities everyone else takes for granted. They continue to be portrayed (inaccurately) both as a threat to society and as condemned by all religious institutions. People who have been set apart in this way are perceived to be acceptable victims. We therefore disagree with calling Rev. Timothy Holder's comments about love conquering evil optimistic piety. Religious people can make--and have made--a difference by standing with the systematically oppressed and speaking out against violence and discrimination and for equality and inclusion. 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.