Date: Sat, 23 Oct 1999 11:15:02 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Philadelphia Inquirer pro-religion letter October 21, 1999 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Philadelphia, PA 19101 Dear Editors: There is no question that a great deal of harmful misinformation has been spread in the name of organized religion and by religious institutions. However, a great deal of good has also been done: healing the sick, feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and working for peace and the basic human rights of all people, including sexual minorities. "Organized religion" is not a monolithic entity, and while we believe that the criticisms expressed by Phillip Kaplan in his October 19 letter deserve to be heard, it would be more beneficial to apply them directly to the individuals and institutions responsible for them instead of engaging in rampant stereotyping. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and religious organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Visit our web site to find out how you can help: http://www.iwgonline.org/wecandoit/ -- Interfaith Working Group http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829