Date: Thu, 17 Feb 2000 21:11:53 -0500 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Sioux Falls SD Matthew Shepard Letter February 16, 2000 Argus Leader Box 5034 Sioux Falls, SD 57117 Dear Editors: In his February 11 letter complaining about memorializing Matthew Shepard, Daniel J. Ziebarth speculates on the question of how Shepard might have chosen to define himself, rather than the more pertinent question of why he was killed. Jewish martyrs were killed because they were Jewish, pagan martyrs were killed because they were pagan and Christian martyrs were killed because they were Christian. Matthew Shepard was many things, including a Christian, a college student, and a gay man. But ultimately, he was killed because of his sexual orientation. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 19 congregations and religious organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. For sexual orientation, gender identity, reproductive freedom, church/state separation, diversity, and radical religious right links go to http://www.iwgonline.org/links/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829