Date: Sat, 12 Feb 2000 21:42:34 -0500 From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Barre Vermont Diversity Letter February 10, 2000 Barre World 82 Barre-Montpelier Rd. Barre, VT 05641 Dear Editors: We were confused by Rev. Herman B. Benjamin’s letter of February 2. The United Methodist Church is currently divided by the controversy over clergy blessing same-gender couples; for officiating at such rites, the Rev. Greg Dell of Chicago was recently suspended, Jimmy Creech had his minister’s credentials removed at a church trial in Nebraska, and a preliminary hearing for sixty-seven pastors just finished in California with a decision not to prosecute. However, that controversy is over religious rites, not civil marriage; while we support both, they are two different issues. It is quite possible, especially if you believe in the separation of church and state, to support equal treatment under the law as a matter of civil rights, regardless of your personal religious beliefs. Sincerely, Barbara Lamond Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators The above letter was sent on IWG letterhead listing 19 congregations and religious organizations and 64 clergy from 16 religious traditions. For more letters visit http://www.iwgonline.org/letters/ -- Interfaith Working Group PO Box 11706 Philadelphia, PA 19101 http://www.iwgonline.org/ iwg@iwgonline.org voice: 215-235-3050 fax: 215-232-0829