From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG St. Paul Lutherans and Marriage Letter Date: Tue, 30 Dec 1997 23:10:38 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and organizations and 53 clergy from 15 religious traditions. 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. December 30, 1997 St. Paul Pioneer Press 345 Cedar Street St. Paul, MN 55101 Dear Editors: Thank you for the excellent December 29 article about St. Paul Reformation Lutheran Church's ministry to gays and lesbians. However, we were confused by the notion that the only remaining issue in the church is ordination. It is certainly a very pressing issue, but as the legalization of civil same-gender marriage draws near and public support for the same-gender marriage grows, each house of worship will be faced with the decision whether or not to bless the marriages of same- gender couples. 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.