From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG LA Times Letter Date: Thu, 27 Mar 1997 23:51:33 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 9 congregations and religious organizations and 38 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 26, 1997 Los Angeles Times Times Mirror Square Los Angeles, CA 90053 Dear Editors: We were disturbed by two quotes in John Dart's March 23 piece about the Presbyterian Church (USA) which fundamentally mischaracterized the debate over the "Fidelity and Chastity Amendment" in particular, and sexual issues in general. These same mischaracterizations have become commonplace in many religious bodies and in the larger society as disagreements over sexual issues continue. Rev. Roberta Hestenes' statement that "the church does not wish to change its understanding of Scripture and its requirement for ordination," was the most accurate quote from the amendment's supporters, though it is difficult to determine how one can speak of the church having an understanding when such a significant minority voted against the ruling and many have already stated publicly that they will not abide by it. Rev. William Craig said, "We have lost the conviction that God has the power to heal sexual brokenness," which glosses over the basic disagreement over what constitutes "brokenness". The debate is not over whether homosexuality is a sickness that can be cured, but over whether it is a sickness at all. It will be difficult, if not impossible, for the Presbyterian Church (USA) or any other body to deal with these fundamental disagreements if we cannot even recognize, much less appreciate, the very great diversity of opinions on this topic. 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.