From: Interfaith Working Group Subject: IWG Inquirer/Creech/The big debate Date: Sun, 15 Mar 1998 23:57:53 -0500 (EST) The following went out on IWG letterhead listing 12 congregations and organizations and 53 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. March 14, 1998 The Philadelphia Inquirer PO Box 8263 Phila., PA 19101 Dear Editors: The acquital of Rev. Jimmy Creech in a United Methodist church trial in Kearney, Nebraska on March 13 was a major event in what is currently the biggest and most contentious debate in American religious life - our understanding of sexual orientation and treatment of sexual minorities. This debate is not likely to resolve itself any time in the near future. In the past year there have been trials, votes, and expulsions in Methodist, Presbyterian, Episcopalian, Lutheran, Mennonite, and Baptist denominations, and we anticipate more in the next few years, especially once the first state offers legal recognition to the marriages of same-gender couples. The struggle for social progress is never as easy as it should be, but despite ocassional setbacks we believe American society, and its religious institutions in particular, is showing definite signs of improvement in achieving equal treatment for all its citizens. Sincerely, Barbara Purdom Christopher Purdom Interfaith Working Group Coordinators -- Interfaith Working Group Religious organizations, congregations iwg@libertynet.org and clergy supporting gay rights, http://www.libertynet.org/~iwg/ reproductive freedom, and the 215-235-3050 separation of church and state.