From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Star Tribune religion/orientation letter Date: Tue, 16 Dec 1997 09:54:17 -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 15, 1997 Star Tribune 425 Portland Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55488 Dear Editors: Thank you for your December 12 coverage of the controversy at Redwood Falls Church of Christ concerning a gay man performing Christmas music, and for your mention of the United Church of Christ's official position regarding sexual orientation. It is worth noting, however, that even within the United Church of Christ there are congregations for whom sexual orientation issues are still controversial, and there are many congregations in other denominations for whom they are not. Religious liberty gives every religious body the right to believe and practice their beliefs as they see fit, especially regarding who can and cannot worship or lead worship That right protects both congregations who choose to have sexual minorities in leadership positions, and those who choose not to. We hope and pray, however, that over time these sad stories of discrimination will become rarer. 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.