From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Church/State Inquirer Letter Date: Sun, 9 May 1999 09:20:15 -0400 (EDT) May 8,1999 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Philadelphia, PA 19101 Dear Editors: Religious organizations have no business becoming political players, major or otherwise. We agreed not to endorse political candidates in exchange for being tax-deductible and tax-exempt, like all other non-profit organizations. When religious organizations become involved in the election of candidates, rather than focusing on stating their own beliefs, they are in danger of losing their moral authority, as well as alienating their membership. And when elected officials start feeling that they are in debt to a particular religious group, everyone's religious liberty is threatened. 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.