From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG NY Times Marriage/church/state/diversity letter Date: Sat, 18 Apr 1998 23:43:12 -0400 (EDT) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and organizations and 56 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. April 18, 1998 The New York Times 229 W. 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 Dear Editors: Thank you for your excellent April 17 article about religious marriages for same-gender couples, which clearly demonstrated the diversity of religious thought on the issue. However, since the issue of civil marriage was raised in the article, and the notions of religious and civil marriage have become hopelessly entangled both in the minds of the public and in the laws of many states, it would have been helpful to more clearly delineate each religious body's position on both religious and civil marriage, which are two separate institutions. The only denomination whose support for both religious and civil marriage was discussed was the Unitarian Universalist Association; other religious bodies support both, and some have endorsed civil marriage but are still struggling with, or have chosen to ignore, religious ceremonies. Ultimately, every religious group will be free to decide for itself whether to recognize the marriages of same- gender couples, just as they are free now to refuse to marry interfaith couples, couples where one person has been divorced, or just those who are not members. However, civil marriage is a civil right which should be available to adult, single, consenting, non-blood relatives without consideration of gender or the vagaries of current religious thought. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators -- 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.