From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Philadelphia Inquirer lawsuit response Date: Sun, 16 Aug 1998 20:14:30 -0400 (EDT) August 15, 1998 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: The Life Partnership ordinances passed by City Council with overwhelming support from Philadelphia religious organizations and clergy will provide hope and a sense of stability to the children of life partners and to children who expect someday to have life partners. In challenging the ordinances, the plaintiffs challenge the future of those children. Those bringing this suit aren't trying to improve their lives or throw off oppression. They are trying to maintain a status quo which oppresses the people who would benefit from the bills; people who would still be receiving only a fraction of the rights to which the plaintiffs are entitled. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 16 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.