From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG LA Times Pro-gay religion letter Date: Fri, 12 Jun 1998 23:10:19 -0400 (EDT) June 12, 1998 Los Angeles Times Times Mirror Square Los Angeles, CA 90053 Dear Editors: We agree with Benjamin J. Hubbard's June 6 comments that congregations need to do more to fight the hatred that is routinely aimed at sexual minorities. While it is true that the number of gay-friendly religious organizations is embarrassingly small, it is also growing steadily, and many organizations are not only welcoming sexual minorities into their midst, they are actively advocating for gay rights. Clergy and religious organizations around the country are coming out in previously unheard of numbers to support such causes as municipal Domestic Partnership legislation and the legal recognition of same-gender marriage. Testifying in favor of ordinances supporting same- gender life partner couples in Philadelphia were the Episcopal and Evangelical Lutheran Bishops, the American Jewish Congress, the Union of American Hebrew Congregations, Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, Dignity/Philadelphia, two Reconstructionist rabbis, two Unitarian Universalist pastors, a Disciples of Christ minister, a Metropolitan Community Church minister, an Episcopal priest, and United Methodist, Evangelical Lutheran, and American Baptist pastors. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 15 congregations and organizations and 58 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. -- 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.