Subject: IWG Philadelphia Inquirer Scouts Letter
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Wed, 11 Aug 1999 22:16:36 -0400 (EDT)

August 10, 1999

The Philadelphia Inquirer
PO Box 8263
Philadelphia, PA 19101

Dear Editors:

Thank you for your extensive coverage of the New
Jersey Supreme Court's decision which overturned the
discriminatory practices of the Boy Scouts of
America.  We support the right of private and
religious organizations to set their own standards
for membership (although we strongly encourage them
not to discriminate on the basis of sexual
orientation or identity).  But those who favor public
funding of religious schools and religious
institutions running government programs should take
note: when you are entangled with the public sector
you are subject to public oversight. 

Contrary to some of the responses you have published,
this court decision will not result in public
oversight of church membership or denying anyone
freedom of association; nor does it prevent parents
from choosing role models for their children.  The
Boy Scouts do not claim that their organization is a
church, but they do claim that because they are
supported by houses of worship, they must
discriminate against sexual minorities (even though
fewer and fewer religious institutions are saying
that same-gender relationships are inherently
sinful).   They should either decide to function like
a true private religious organization, or else they
should end their discriminatory practices. 

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 16 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,
[email-masked]                      reproductive freedom, and the 
voice: 215-235-3050  fax: 232-0829      separation of church and state.

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