From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Omaha Creech Aftermath Date: Tue, 31 Mar 1998 23:03:24 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and organizations and 55 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. March 30, 1998 Omaha World-Herald World-Herald Square Omaha, NE 68102 Dear Editors: We have been reading with great interest all of the comments appearing in your paper regarding the Rev. Jimmy Creech's trial. We were especially fascinated by many writers' implying that there is a clear Biblical prohibition against same- gender couples, and that this is recognized by ordinary Christians and Jews, and by the question of whether respect for sexual minorities apart from their relationships is a good or even possible policy. The religious debate over sexual orientation goes far beyond the boundaries of Nebraska or the United Methodist Church, precisely because ordinary people of faith are finding it increasingly difficult to believe that same-gender relationships are inherently less moral than mixed- gender relationships, or that it is possible to respect two people and treat them as individuals of sacred worth while refusing to honor a loving, consensual and committed relationship between them. 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.