From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Washington Post Ten Commandments Letter Date: Sat, 31 Jul 1999 23:16:37 +2000 (EDT) July 30, 1999 The Washington Post 1150 15th Street NW Washington, DC 20071 Dear Editors: In his July 18 commentary, Dennis Teti said the US House passed a bill "that would allow states to display the Ten Commandments in public places," but contends the bill is Constitutional because it "does not mandate or even encourage Ten Commandments displays." That's not the point. The House singled out a religious document (half of which is devoted to rules governing religious observance) to be the only one which may be displayed in public buildings. If officially favoring one religious document over all others is not a violation of the establishment clause of the First Amendment, then what is? Since there are (at least) three numbering schemes for the Commandments, as well as different translations of the Bible, we also wonder who will determine whether a posted document is a valid version of the Commandments. How might a Protestant judge rule on the legality of a Roman Catholic or Jewish version of the Commandments? What if school officials start changing parts they don't like? Do we want judges and principals making theological decisions? That was exactly what the establishment clause of the First Amendment was designed to prevent. While it is true that expecting the courts to strike down a bill is not a good reason to vote against it, each member of Congress swore to uphold the Constitution, and should recognize when a piece of legislation is blatantly unconstitutional. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and organizations and 67 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. Support our work: wear an IWG shirt! http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/clothes.html