From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Anchorage Daily News Letter Date: Sun, 6 Jul 1997 23:40:42 -0400 (EDT) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 10 congregations and religious organizations and 41 clergy from 14 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. July 5, 1997 Letters to the Editor Anchorage Daily News PO Box 149001 Anchorage, AK 99514-9001 Dear Editor: Donald R. Hancock's letter of July 4 listed two "facts" which require some response. First of all, there is a distinct difference of opinions among Christians as to whether homosexuality is an "abomination before God" or not. Despite the existence of some translations that make it seem otherwise, the Bible does not mention homosexuality at all. Certain acts in specific contexts are mentioned; homosexuality as a mental and spiritual state of being is not. Second, religious affiliation also meets Mr. Hancock's description of sexual orientation as "a choice, not something the individual has no control over such as race, gender, or physical/mental impairment." However, we sincerely hope that Mr. Hancock would not condone a boycott of Disney for extending employee benefits to those whose marriages were solemnized in non-Baptist churches. Unfortunately, since many churches do bless same-sex unions, he already has. 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.