Date: Mon, 13 Sep 1999 00:09:27 -0400 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Columbus GA, Christianity and orientation September 11, 1999 Columbus Ledger-Enquirer 17 W. 12th St. Columbus GA 31902 Dear Editors: We greatly appreciated Allison Kennedy's September 5 article about the diversity of Christian opinion regarding sexual orientation. However, we have a few small quibbles. Homosexuality is an orientation; it has to do with the gender of people that a person is most attracted to. It is not a `lifestyle.' We found this statement confusing at best and misleading at worst: `church leaders and denominations choose to hold firm to an ambiguous middle ground while outsiders insist they make up their minds and take a stand.' Many denominations are constantly debating sexuality issues, and there is not enough of a consensus to form consistent policy. The pressure to move the denominations toward consistent discriminatory or inclusive policies comes from within, not from outsiders, though materials from outside groups are frequently used, and there is conversation and cooperation between groups across denominations and faiths. The people that Kennedy chose to interview accurately reflected the official policies of their organizations, but in the future your paper might also consider interviewing pro-GLBT clergy from religious traditions generally considered to be conservative or mainline. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 17 religous organizations and congregations and 63 clergy from 16 religious traditions. Please visit our website to find out how you can help. -- Interfaith Working Group http://www.iwgonline.org iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829