From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Alexandria VA Denominational Debates Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1998 23:18:08 -0400 (EDT) September 1, 1998 Alexandria Journal 6408 Edsall Road Alexandria, VA 22312 Dear Editors: Michael McManus' August 28 commentary about sexual orientation and churches was problematic, especially the implication that church growth is more important than doing the right thing. He ignores the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalists, who have taken gay-friendly positions at the national level while leaving room for diversity of opinion at the regional and congregational levels. He states without proof that declining membership in the United Methodist, Presbyterian (USA) and Episcopal Churches was caused by debates over sexual orientation, and that the solution is to end the debate in favor of those who oppose equal treatment of sexual minorities. Debates over orientation are never even heard in many of these churches, and a decline in overall membership does not translate to a decline in every congregation. There are healthy and growing gay-friendly congregations. Finally, McManus makes the mistake of assuming that all who are trying to change church policy are themselves gays or lesbians. There are plenty of heterosexuals who believe in and work for justice for sexual minorities. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 16 congregations and organizations and 59 clergy from 16 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. -- 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.