From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Bergen County Denominational Debates Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1998 23:15:12 -0400 (EDT) September 3, 1998 Bergen Record 150 River Street Hackensack, NJ 07602 Dear Editors: David Gibson's August 30 commentary about denominational sexual orientation debates was thoughtful and balanced, but problematic. His makes the mistake of saying that no major denomination officially sanctions ordination of "active homosexuals." Both the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian Universalist Association officially approve of the ordination of gays and lesbians and have national offices for sexual minority issues. There are also smaller gay-friendly denominations such as the Universal Fellowship of Metropolitan Community Churches (over 300 congregations) and the Unity Fellowship churches, which mostly have gay clergy and members. The debate is continuing because real live people are being denied their call to church leadership positions, recognition of their relationships, or the right to bless some relationships. There is no middle ground; either the ordinations and ceremonies occur or they don't. Banning debate is tantamount to choosing sides. Now individual congregations and clergy are refusing to follow denominational rules, so the debate has moved into denominational courts. In the end the debates will be settled as they always are, with people joining religious bodies where they feel welcome, and can worship and believe as they choose. That's the beauty of religious liberty. But the very real pain being felt by those who feel abused by and forced out of their religious communities is unfortunate and avoidable and will only be ended by policy changes, not a refusal to debate. 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.