From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG New Haven Marriage Letter Date: Tue, 6 Oct 1998 23:18:31 -0400 (EDT) October 5, 1998 Letters to the Editor New Haven Register Long Wharf-40 Sargent Dr. New Haven, CT 06511 Dear Editor: A recent letter from Joel Mark Solliday about marriage missed some critical points. When he marries a couple he is doing so in a religious ceremony, not a civil ceremony. He may marry whoever he chooses. He does not have to accept the state's definition of marriage, and indeed, many religious institutions do not accept the state's definition of marriage. Many religious institutions are more limiting than the state, rejecting interfaith marriages or remarriages after divorce. And some have a broader definition, blessing the unions of same-gender couples. The word "marriage" already has many meanings to many people, and it is already being used by some religious institutions to include gays and lesbians. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 15 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.