From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Ann Landers marriage letter Date: Mon, 15 Mar 1999 23:07:56 -0500 (EST) March 14, 1999 Ann Landers Box 11562 Chicago, IL 60611-0562 Dear Ann Landers: We were extremely disturbed by your response to the parents who didn't want their daughter to participate in the wedding of two men (one of whom is her uncle). Parents have an absolute right not to let their minor children participate in a ceremony they don0x92t approve of. It's their decision, not the couple getting married (regardless of whether the couple is gay or straight). But your general answer was that children don't ever belong at the weddings of same-sex couples, and that such ceremonies should be limited to a few friends. This response completely ignored the existence of congregations from many religious traditions--congregations with children--that celebrate same-gender marriages. Children who are raised to believe in the worth and dignity of all people and types of families are not "confused," and the marriages of same-gender couples do not deserve any less attention, celebration, or support than any other marriage. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and organizations and 61 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 http://www.libertynet.org/iwg and clergy supporting gay rights, iwg@libertynet.org reproductive freedom, and the voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state. Sunday May 16, 1999 5pm. Marching In the Light: IWG Benefit Concert. Old First Reformed Church. 4th and Race, Philadelphia, PA. See the web page.