From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Vancouver WA church/state/orientation Date: Sat, 25 Apr 1998 23:45:56 -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 24, 1998 The Columbian, PO Box 180 Vancouver, WA 98666 Dear Editors: Contrary to statements made by Eric Maglasang in his April 17 letter, municipal governments do not have the authority to define civil marriage, religious marriage, or sin. Civil marriage is defined by the states, and religious marriage and sin are defined independently for their members by this country's many religious institutions, some of which recognize same-gender partners, and do not classify same-gender sexual relationships as inherently sinful. 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.