From: cjmchale@cs.tcd.ie (Ciaran McHale)
Newsgroups: soc.bi,soc.motss
Subject: Stonewall Postal Action Network: letter 16
Date: 9 Apr 92 14:45:23 GMT
Organization: DSG, Dept. of Comp. Sci., Trinity College, Dublin.

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The *Scheme* has been re-named the *Network*. This is because the
abbreviation SPAS can be used as a term of abuse for spastic and other
people with disability. I sincerely apologise if any offence has been
caused in the last 15 months. The Stonewall Postal Action *Network* will
operate in the same way as before.

We were delighted at the news, last Tuesday, that the Isle of Man has
changed its out-dated law. We wish Alan Shea and all gay men and
lesbians on the island very best wishes for their future.

Whilst I was pleased that SPAN contributed to that victory, I was very
disapointed at the response. Alan received only 122 letters from SPAN
members but I had sent out 548. Whether we are a "scheme" or a "network"
the operative word is *action*. If you are no longer writing most of the
letters then, please, let me know. Photocopying, addressing, enveloping
and sealing over 500 letters is hard, boring work for less than 25%
response. Enough said?
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Stonewall Postal Action Scheme Letter Number 16

Background:
-----------
Early this year, Elizabeth Stuart was commissioned by SPCK (Society for
Promoting Christian Knowledge) to edit a book of gay and lesbian verse,
prayers and blessings written by men and women from several Christian
denominations. The book _Daring to Speak Loves Name_ was accepted and
was due for publication in July 1992. In mid March the Publishing
Committee decided to withdraw the book from its proposed publication.
Yesterday, 1 April, the Governing Body of SPCK met and confirmed the
withdrawal of _Daring to Speak Loves Name_. The Archbishop of Canterbury
has expressed his disapproval of the book. However, SPCK now state that
they were not influenced in any way by the Archbishop's comments and,
therefore, SPCK have not given any reason whatsoever for their decision
to publish.

Target:
-------
Lionel Scott, Chair of the Governors of SPCK
18 Silver Drive
Aldeburgh
Suffolk IP15 5JY
England


Letter:
-------
Please write to Mr Lionel Scott expressing outrage at the decision of
the Governing Body to withdraw _Daring To Speak Loves Name_. Also demand
that he gives the reasons behind their decision. Please make use of the
following if you wish...

1. The editorial freedom of SPCK has been seriously damaged when an
editorial decision by professionals can be over-ruled by an amateur
Governing Body. This is irrespective of whether the publishing issues
are gay, lesbian or Christian.

2. The book has been withdrawn totally without any negotiation with
Elizabeth Stuart to re-edit the manuscript.

3. If the comments of the Archbishop of Canterbury were not heeded then
why was his opinion sought in the first place?

In SPAN letter number 16 we are joining with the campaign _Daring to
Speak_. Please send copies of your letter to the campaign:

	Daring to Speak
	21 Exeter Road
	London NW2 4SJ
	England


Thank you for writing SPAN letter number 16.

Austin Allen,
2 April 1992.

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<>Ten people who speak make more noise than ten thousand who are silent.
<>--- Napoleon

Ciaran.
-- 
Ciaran McHale                                                            ----
Department of Computer Science, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.      \bi/
Telephone: +353-1-7021539  FAX: +353-1-772204  email: cjmchale@cs.tcd.ie  \/
Newsgroups: soc.bi