From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG NY Times Marriage Letter Date: Sun, 8 Nov 1998 22:51:14 -0500 (EST) November 8, 1998 The New York Times 229 W. 43rd St. New York, NY 10036 Dear Editors: We find it very sad that a majority of the voters in Alaska and Hawaii felt that the state should be allowed to limit the legal status of a committed relationship between two adults based purely on gender. We are also disturbed that religious institutions like the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the United Methodist Church, which have good records supporting civil rights for all people, have chosen to undermine that message by engaging in protracted policy battles over whether clergy should be permitted to bless the relationships of adults who love and are committed to each other. Fortunately, as long as there are clergy like those mentioned in the November 5 article who are willing to recognize and promote love despite being warned not to, there is still hope that fear and hatred will not rule. 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 215-235-3050 separation of church and state.