From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Norfolk VA religion and orientation letter Date: Tue, 18 May 1999 01:38:50 -0400 (EDT) May 17, 1999 Virginian-Pilot PO Box 449 Norfolk, VA 23501-0449 Dear Editors: Unfortunately, in a world in which people refer to minority sexual orientations as a "lifestyle" which is "abhorrent and sinful at worst, and aberrant and abnormal at best," it is sometimes difficult for gay men and lesbians to receive the legal protection to which we are all entitled. Neil McNulty (letter, May 13) is correct in his assessment that we all have the same rights. But the reality is that some people are denied those rights, and suffer violence and harassment disproportionately on the basis of a characteristic selected by those engaged in the violence and harassment. Fortunately, the view that heterosexuality is an inherently morally superior orientation is becoming less and less popular. 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.