From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Chicago Tribune Letter Date: Fri, 20 Dec 1996 23:40:22 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 3 congregations, 5 religious organizations and 36 clergy from 12 faiths and denominations. 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. December 17, 1996 The Chicago Tribune 435 N. Michigan Avenue Chicago, IL 60611 Dear Editor: Joan Beck's column on same-gender marriage completely ignores the diversity of religious opinion on this issue. Supporters of legal same-gender marriage include the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the Central Conference of American Rabbis, who both say that official religious marriage is for mixed-gender couples only, but who, unlike Ms. Beck, respect the separation of church and state. There are also groups such as the Reconstructionist Rabbinical Association, the Metropolitan Community Church, the Unitarian Universalist Association, and many Buddhist, Quaker, and Religious Science congregations who support religious same-gender marriages. 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.