From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Grand Rapids MI Marriage/Child Raising letter Date: Sat, 17 Jul 1999 19:10:07 -0400 (EDT) July 16, 1999 Grand Rapids Press 155 Michigan St. NW Grand Rapids, MI 49502 Dear Editors: We were confused by your July 11 article about attitudes toward sexual minorities. The first mention of poll results said: "67 percent of respondents who indicated concern about changing family structures said gays should not be allowed to legally marry and raise children;" but there was no number for the percentage of the respondents who "indicated concern about changing family structures." Whatever the actual percentages are, schools and houses of worship need to do a much better job of invalidating stereotypes by welcoming sexual minorities and their families into the full life of the community. Until that happens, everyone is still entitled to equal treatment under the law regardless of prevailing community prejudices, and that includes the right to civil marriage, and the freedom to reproduce, without legal restrictions based on gender. 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, iwg@libertynet.org reproductive freedom, and the voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 232-0829 separation of church and state. Support our work: wear an IWG shirt! http://www.libertynet.org/iwg/clothes.html