Date: Sat, 20 May 2000 19:44:54 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Chicago Tribune Soulforce letter May 18, 2000 Chicago Tribune 435 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 Dear Editors: Given your inconsistent reporting on organized religion and sexual minorities, we appreciated Steve Kloehn's May 12 coverage of the Soulforce protest in Cleveland, even if he seemed unsure whether the protest had a point. What the United Methodist Church or any other religious body says about a large group of people who share a limited set of characteristics is important to everyone, not just to their own members, and not just to members of the group they are discussing. In the past few years when the United Church of Christ, the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Central Conference of American Rabbis and other religious groups have made positive statements, they have helped shape American understanding of sexual orientation in a positive way, and when the United Methodist Church makes statements against gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people, they reinforce prejudices and discrimination. The Soulforce protest may not have changed the vote, but it certainly reminded the denomination that its existing policies cause pain; it brought hope to sexual minorities both inside and outside the United Methodist Church; it encouraged others to speak out and join in; and hopefully it reminded the media and the public at large that there is a determined and growing movement of people of faith who believe in the full equality of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender people and their families. Progress is made one small step at a time. 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 65 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Marching in the Light 2000 Songs of love and justice from many musical and religious traditions May 21 4 pm, 3700 Chestnut St. Philadelphia Tickets $10. All proceeds benefit the IWG. http://www.iwgonline.org/concert/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829