From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Hendersonville letter Date: Wed, 5 Mar 1997 00:19:47 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 3 congregations, 6 religious organizations and 37 clergy from 13 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. March 4, 1997 To The Editor Times-News PO BOX 490 Hendersonville, NC 28793 Dear Editor: Timothy Lyda is under the mistaken impression that it is the responsibility of the state to communicate that marriage is sacred. He contends that the sanctity of marriage will be nullified if the marriages of same- gender couples are legally recognized. The sanctity of anything is a matter for religious bodies, not the state. Same-gender couples are already marrying in churches, synagogues, meeting houses and temples all over the country. The only message that is being sent by the government's refusal to recognize these unions is that discrimination on the basis of gender and religion is acceptable. 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.