From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Washington Times Scouts letter Date: Mon, 9 Aug 1999 23:40:24 -0400 (EDT) August 9, 1999 Washington Times 3600 New York Avenue NE Washington, DC 20002 Dear Editors: Your editorial about the discriminatory policies of the Boy Scouts of America was completely backwards. We support the right of private and 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). It is just common sense that it is the Boy Scouts (an organization that claims a high level of religious diversity), and not the New Jersey Supreme Court, who are unwilling to entertain the notion that reasonable people, especially reasonable religious people, might disagree on the morality of same-gender relationships. But what was before the court was a legal question, which was whether the Boy Scouts were a public accommodation or a private religious organization. Those who favor school vouchers for religious schools, and religious institutions participating in government should take note: when you become entangled with the public sector you are subject to public oversight. The Scouts haven't been shut down by the court or been 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