Date: Sun, 09 Jul 2000 13:54:12 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Minneapolis Scouts Letter July 8, 2000 Star Tribune 425 Portland Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55408 Dear Editors: Stephen N. Johnson ignored many facts about the Boy Scouts in his July 3 tribute to free association. We were especially mystified by his comment: “Many churches...teach that homosexual activity is immoral while affirming that gay people should be treated with equal dignity and respect.” Many of those churches, as well as churches and other religious institutions with more con- sistent, justice-oriented, non-discriminatory policies toward sexual minorities, currently support Boy Scout troops. The Scouts have associated with and ac- cepted money and physical space from religious organizations, government agencies, and philanthropic institutions with policies which contradict the Scouts’ anti-gay policy. In many cases this would appear to either forbid further association with the Scouts, or require continued association while teaching against the Scouts’ policies. A more complete tribute to the Constitutional right to free association would have noted the cost of disassociation to organizations like the Scouts that depend on the support and good will of the public. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 21 congregations and religious organizations and 65 clergy from 16 religious traditions. For more letters visit http://www.iwgonline.org/letters/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829