From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Inquirer Religious Freedom Amendment Church/State Date: Wed, 4 Mar 1998 23:18:04 -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 3, 1998 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: Thank you for publishing Rev. James W. Watkin's February commentary on House Joint Resolution 78 (the Religious Freedom Amendment). Rather than increase religious freedom, passage of this amendment would produce church/state entanglement on a monumental level, and endanger the religious freedom that is unique to our country. On the same day, you published a perfect illustration of Rev. Watkin's commentary; the story concerning the decision by the government of the town of Truth or Consequences, NM to declare 1998 the Year of the Bible, and to encourage the reading of the New Testament by all citizens. The fact that the city government would pass such a resolution and that it has received overwhelming support demonstrates that Americans are not lacking in religious fervor. The subsequent harassment of religious minorities (who would understandably be reluctant to seek redress from a government which backed the idea in the first place) in that town demonstrates that equality under the law is endangered when the government indicates that it favors one religion. There was no need for government involvement; the community churches could have made the declaration themselves, encouraged people to put up signs, and given the Bibles away without the official stamp of city government. This story is a prime example of why the Religious Freedom Amendment is a bad solution to a non-existent problem. 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.