Date: Wed, 08 Sep 1999 23:47:08 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Colorado Springs FOF Response September 5, 1999 Colorado Springs Gazette PO Box 1779 Colorado Springs, CO 80901 Dear Editors: As coordinators of an organization represented at the recent meeting of the National Religious Leadership Roundtable, we felt compelled to respond to three assertions made by John Paulk in his August 31 letter. Paulk called the mayor's gay pride proclamation divisive; in and of itself, the mayor publicly acknowledging gay pride isn't divisive unless you reject the notion of equal rights for sexual minorities. Paulk's contention that a majority of panelists at the public event denied that he existed is peculiar, given that questions from self-identified ex-gay individuals were read by the moderator. Panelists disagreed on scientific and religious grounds about what has occurred in the lives of those who formerly identified as gay and now identify as ex-gay. The disagreements included whether each individual’s experience is generally applicable, and whether it might even be harmful if misapplied. It is a currently much-debated topic in American society, especially in religious and scientific circles. Paulk also criticized your publication for not reporting and labeling as "blasphemy" (by his definition) some statements made by panelists. The panel was diverse, with people from many religious backgrounds who all in some way support equal rights for sexual minorities. They discussed their own religious journeys and beliefs. Surely there were some people who would have found everything said to be offensive, and some who heard nothing offensive at all. As citizens in a religiously-free country we can all make that determination for ourselves. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above was sent on letterhead listing 17 congregations and organizations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Visit our website to learn how you can help. -- Interfaith Working Group http://www.iwgonline.org iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829