From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Wall Street Journal Scouts Letter Date: Mon, 9 Aug 1999 23:29:48 -0400 (EDT) August 9, 1999 Wall Street Journal 200 Liberty Street New York, NY 10281 Dear Editors: We strongly disagree with your editorial about the discriminatory policies of the Boy Scouts of America. We completely support the right of private 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 vouchers for religious schools and religious institutions participating in government should take note: when an organization (like the Boy Scouts) takes government monies and gets official government recognition, it is entangled with the public sector and is subject to public oversight. The Scouts haven't been shut down by the court or denied the right to associate. 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, iwg@libertynet.org reproductive freedom, and the voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state. Support our work: wear an IWG shirt! http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/clothes.html