From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG NY Times - Religious Conformity (church/state) Date: Sun, 20 Jun 1999 23:13:16 -0400 (EDT) June 19, 1999 The New York Times 229 W. 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 Dear Editors: In his school prayer opinion piece, Michael Novak's points about religious diversity are a compelling argument against the majority in the House of Representatives who seem to feel the need for an appearance of religious conformity and unity at the expense of religious liberty. The notion that putting up government-mandated signs saying, "Thou shalt have no other Gods before me," in government buildings will somehow reduce societal conflict is as ridiculous as Novak's arguing that a lack of organized prayer in the schools is forcing a worldview on students; or that we as a nation in which thousands of religious traditions are represented will be able to peacefully pick one official prayer (or two-hundred) which we'd all be comfortable with, despite the riots, lawsuits, and abuse of religious minorities historically accompanying official religious observances. Novak is correct that organized school prayer is a manageable problem; we are managing just fine without it. Let's celebrate the fact that we live in a country where, officially at least, we can worship or not as we see fit without government hindrance or assistance. 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 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.