From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Las Vegas, denominational statements letter Date: Mon, 14 Dec 1998 00:20:09 -0500 (EST) December 12, 1998 Las Vegas Sun Box 4275 Las Vegas, NV 89107 Dear Editors: Thank you for your excellent article about homosexuality and Christianity. We were surprised, however, that you left out any mention of other religions, and that in your list of recent official statements from Christian denominations, you failed to mention last month's pastoral letter to all of the congregations in the United Church of Christ (more than 6,000) from the Rev. Dr. Paul Sherry, president of the denomination. In his letter, entitled, "Now, No Condemnation, The Rights of Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual Persons in Society and their Membership and Ministry in the Church," Dr. Sherry said that, "when so many in our society would reject and exclude, it is critical that we of the United Church of Christ bear witness to the conviction that it is possible to be deeply faithful to the Bible, profoundly respectful of the historic faith of the church and of its sacraments, and at the same time support the full inclusion and participation of all God's children in the membership and ministry of the church. Likewise, there can be no compromise that all persons in this society must enjoy equal protection under the law." We would all be better off if every religious organization were as welcoming, supportive, and strident in supporting basic constitutional rights. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 16 congregations and organizations and 60 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 voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state.