From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Ventura CA Religion and Orientation Date: Sun, 6 Sep 1998 23:21:05 -0400 (EDT) September 5, 1998 Editor's Letters The Ventura County Star PO Box 6711 Ventura, CA 93006 Dear Editors: Thank you for Tom Kisken's article about the religious debate over sexual orientation, especially for the focus on some of the individuals involved. The Rev. Jim Harmeling is right, religious institutions have followed instead of leading. They should have been setting an example of openness, acceptance, affirmation, love, and justice. Most of them, instead, have gone along with the dominant culture's heterosexism and homophobia. It's no wonder that Philip Schwartz thinks that heterosexual society does not accept the notion that someone can be gay and Christian. But there is hope. There are heterosexuals who see no inherent conflict between faith and orientation, and there are congregations that do not "live in the shadows," but boldly proclaim their support for the ordination of sexual minorities and the blessing of their committed relationships. 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.