Subject: IWG Contra Costa church conflict letter
From: Interfaith Working Group <[email-masked]>
Date: Thu, 8 Jul 1999 00:15:30 -0400 (EDT)

July 5, 1999

Contra Costa Times
Box 5088
Walnut Creek, CA 94596

Dear Editors:

Thank you for your July 4 article, "Churches in
Conflict Over Gays."  It accurately reflected the
depth of conviction of those who support the equal
treatment of same and mixed-gender relationships
within their religious bodies, and the equal
treatment of those who are in those relationships. 
It was especially appropriate on a day when we
celebrate our many freedoms, including the free
exercise of religion.  

We were intrigued by the comments of the Rev. Jon
McNeff, who said that welcoming congregations are
typically small, as though the popularity of a
congregation is a good indicator of the rightness of
its teachings (there are small congregations that
don't support equality).  Taking tough moral stands
for justice in the face of great opposition is not
always popular; although some large congregations
have come to a consensus on supporting equality, it
is often easier for smaller congregations to make
controversial decisions

Sincerely,
Barbara Purdom     Christopher Purdom
Interfaith Working Group Coordinators

The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and
organizations and 67 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,
[email-masked]                      reproductive freedom, and the 
voice: 215-235-3050  fax: 232-0829      separation of church and state.