From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Star Bulletin Letter Date: Fri, 7 Feb 1997 23:51:36 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 3 congregations, 5 religious organizations and 37 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. February 7, 1997 David Shapiro Star Bulletin Box 3080 Honolulu, HI 96802 Dear Mr. Shapiro: We commend you for your continued interest in the topic of same-gender mar-riage. Those of us in the religious community working for the legal recognition of the marriages of same-gender couples are acutely aware that people of faith have diverse opinions on the subject. Marriage is both a civil and a religious institution. In most states the line between the two is blurred, since a license is granted by an officer of the state and signed by an officer of the church. Most states also offer a non-religious alternative (Justice of the Peace), but in general, states allow religious institutions to decide who may marry. However, despite the many religious bodies that now perform marriages for same-gender couples, the states refuse to recognize those relationships or to provide a civil alternative. The struggle to end marriage discrimination is strengthening the bonds between religious and sexual minorities as more and more congregations recognize selective marriage recognition as religious discrimination. 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.