Subject: IWG Des Moines Register Sabin Opinion Thank You
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Sat, 7 Feb 1998 23:36:41 -0500 (EST)

The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and
organizations and 54 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.

February 6, 1998

The Des Moines Register
Box 957
Des Moines, IA  50304

Dear Editors:

Thank you very much for the February 6 opinion
regarding the Rev. Steven Sabin and supporting
tolerance of sexual minorities.  It is sad that so
many denominations have chosen to concentrate on the
importance of beliefs and practices that serve
(intentionally or not) to reinforce social prejudices
instead of taking a leadership role preaching love
and respect in a society becoming more diverse and
closely linked every day.  

We are very glad that the Lord of Life Lutheran
Church has taken a leadership role in their
denomination by supporting their pastor, Rev. Sabin. 
In the near future, we can expect more of the same in
many denominations.  Last year the Episcopalians
considered trying a retired bishop for heresy
(ordaining an openly gay man).  This year in addition
to the case of Rev. Sabin in the ELCA, there has
already been a hearing in the Presbyterian Church
(USA) over the Covenant of Dissent passed by the
Presbytery of Milwaukee; the PCUSA also expects to
hear two cases involving the ordination of gay
elders, and the Rev. Jimmy Creech of Omaha will be
tried in a Methodist Court for performing a union
ceremony.  

Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom     Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators

-- 

Interfaith Working Group                Religious organizations, congregations
[email-masked]                      and clergy supporting gay rights,
http://www.libertynet.org/~iwg/         reproductive freedom, and the 
215-235-3050                            separation of church and state.