From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Phila. Inquirer - Church/State/Schools/Vouchers/Prayer Date: Sun, 20 Jun 1999 23:17:46 -0400 (EDT) June 19,1999 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Philadelphia, PA 19101 Dear Editors: In answer to David Boldt's speculation as to why anyone would oppose vouchers, we are specifically bothered by the notion that public funds would go to any institution that has attempted to influence public policy to limit access to birth control and prevent fairer treatment for sexual minorities. But more importantly, we object to unconstitutional taxpayer support for religious schools for many of the same reasons that we object to organized school prayer, the posting of the Ten Commandments (which the House of Representatives voted for and which authorities in Altoona are considering), or any other government attempt to create an appearance of religious conformity. Funding religious institutions is a form of religious exercise; compelling any citizen to fund someone else's religious indoctrination is a violation of the Free Exercise clause of the First Amendment. The disbursement of limited government funds to religious institutions, like a declaration of an official religion, fosters competition and strife among people of different faiths, which is why we must vigorously defend the First Amendment's Establishment clause. 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.