From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Denver Lou Sheldon/Fred Phelps letter Date: Tue, 13 Apr 1999 22:58:59 -0400 (EDT) April 12, 1999 Rocky Mountain News 400 W. Colfax Avenue Denver, CO 80204 Dear Editors: One might think, from reading your April 6 article about Russell Henderson's trial, that the Traditional Values Coalition had a strong interest in religious inclusion of lesbians, gay men, and bisexuals. To describe the Rev. Fred Phelps as an "anti-gay pastor" without applying the same label to the Rev. Lou Sheldon in the same sentence was neither fair nor accurate. The differences of opinion expressed by Rev. Sheldon were purely theological. The Traditional Values Coalition and Westboro Baptist Church differ in belief and practice, but they share many of the same opinions about public policy and equal rights for sexual minorities. We sincerely doubt that Rev. Sheldon would want to be labeled "pro-gay." And by making it appear that he is, you do a great disservice to religious bodies that really do both openly and fully welcome sexual minorities and work for their civil rights. 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.