From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Omaha Reconciling Congregations letter Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1999 23:30:01 -0400 (EDT) June 12, 1999 Omaha World-Herald World-Herald Square Omaha, NE 68102 Dear Editors: In his June 6 letter, Ray E. Sedivy suggests that the United Methodist Church will be abandoned by its members if the denomination allows same-sex unions to be conducted by its clergy and/or in its churches. That is one possible outcome. Indeed, some people have already left the denomination or changed congregations. However, if church policy is to be based on what may affect membership, as Mr. Sedivy seems to suggest, then it should be noted that there are United Methodist clergy in thriving congregations who have performed may such services, plus single congregations and entire denominations or sects in other religious traditions that allow same-sex unions and/or the ordination of sexual minorities. Allowing same-sex unions may actually encourage growth in the long run. We hope that delegates will vote for what they think is right, arriving at a decision based on justice, love, and inclusion. And we are thankful that we live in a religiously-free country in which religious bodies can settle issues of policy in whatever manner they see fit, and individuals can choose to support or not support religious bodies according to the dictates of their own conscience. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter went out on IWG letterhead listing 17 congregations and organizations and 65 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.