From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Marshalltown Times-Republican Letter Date: Thu, 6 Mar 1997 00:17:12 -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 5, 1997 Marshalltown Times-Republican 135 W. Main St. Marshalltown, IA 50158 Dear Editors: Contrary to the letters written by some readers, Mr. Crews and Mr. Kehoe are not making up their own religion. This is a religiously free country with thousands of officially recognized sects, so that would not be unheard of; but in fact the movement to welcome and ordain those whose love transcends rigid understandings of gender is growing rapidly in all segments of the community of faith. Since you mentioned Exodus International, we hope that you will give equal time to another point of view by also mentioning the web pages of the Interfaith Working Group, which can be accessed at http://www.libertynet.org/~iwg/. The page contains links to organizations and documents from many religious traditions with a wide variety of opinions and interpretations of scripture relating to social issues. Your readers will find that a belief in the inherent sinfulness of homosexuality is not as widespread among Jews and Christians as they might think. 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.