From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Lincoln Nebraska - Romans letter Date: Fri, 20 Mar 1998 23:10:19 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and organizations and 53 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. March 16, 1998 Lincoln Journal Star Box 81689 Lincoln, NE 68501 Dear Editors: In his letter of March 16, Lyle Goodenkauf asserts that scripture is not a "spiritual smorgasbord" and then asks for an interpretation of part of Romans, conveniently leaving out both the preceding passages (which explain that the heterosexual people in question were punished with homosexual urges for worshipping idols), and the passages following (in which the author says that anyone who calls them wicked and says they should be punished for their deeds is talking about themselves, for we have all done the very same things). Contrary to Mr. Goodenkauf's assertion, this is a religiously free country, in which we are allowed to believe and practice as we see fit. It is precisely this freedom that allows Mr. Goodenkauf to describe himself as a "former Methodist". Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators -- Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations iwg@libertynet.org and clergy supporting gay rights, http://www.libertynet.org/~iwg/ reproductive freedom, and the 215-235-3050 separation of church and state.