Presbyteries alerted to New York-based letter

by Jerry L. Van Marter, Presbyterian News Service

LOUISVILLE -- November 12, 2004  [posted here 11-15-04] -- An anonymous letter postmarked Queens, NY, has been received at the Presbyterian Center here threatening arson against Presbyterian churches in retaliation for "your anti-Israel and anti-Jewish attitudes."

The handwritten letter, replete with a swastika, says, "I promise violence against Presbyterian Churches -- They will go up in flames, bet your ass that's a terrorist threat."

In two separate places it sets a Nov. 15 deadline for the church to "reverse" its Middle East policies "or else."

Officials at the Presbyterian Center have notified federal authorities here and in New York, said Mission Support Services Director Joey Bailey. "We have also tightened security here at the Presbyterian Center," he added.

General Assembly Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick immediately notified PC(USA) governing bodies in New York and then expanded the message to all denominational offices. "Though the threat appeared to have come from New York, we can't be sure, so we've contacted them (governing bodies) all," said Gradye Parsons, director of operations for the Office of the General Assembly.

"The overwhelming majority of these kinds of threats never come to fruition," Kirkpatrick said in his letter. "At the same time, it is helpful to be aware and prepared."

Kirkpatrick's letter includes a number of extra safety precautions churches and other offices can take (see below).

It's especially critical to get the word out about the threat before the weekend, Parsons said, because the threat states: "Their (sic) will be Arson attacks against Presbyterian Churches with people inside there will be bloodshed."

Parsons said the threat "has the appearance of being serious because it's not a political or theological discourse, it's just a threat."

Responding to the threat's chilling claim that "it will be a pleasure setting fire to Presbyterian Churches," Kirkpatrick wrote: "It is, sadly and all too often, a violent culture in which we work and witness for the sake of the gospel. However, in this and in every circumstance, I am deeply grateful for your ongoing, faithful ministry in your locations and for the Presbyterian Church (USA)'s witness for peace, not only in the Middle East, but also around the world."

Arson Prevention Suggestions for Churches

· Illuminate building exterior, entrances, and parking lots.

· Use motion-activated lighting near doors and windows.

· Install burglar and fire alarm systems that transmit a message.

· Develop an evacuation plan in case of fire.

· Trim or remove shrubbery and signs that obstruct the view of the building from the street.

· Clean house by removing trash, unneeded materials, and other materials that could contribute to fire spread.

· Use properly installed deadbolt locks on all exterior doors.

· Keep windows locked (preferably with spring-loaded bolts), barred (releasable from the inside) or protected with wire screens.

· Many churches have basement entries that are hidden from view. These should be secured with locking ground-level doors when the building is not in use.

· Secure ladders, external stairways, and fire escapes that allow access to the roof.

· Keep track of who has keys. Change locks when keys are lost.

· Consider fencing the areas or sides that are not readily visible to patrols or neighbors. Appoint a person from the church to be a liaison with law and fire officials and request a fire prevention and security evaluation.

· Be wary of strangers, register guests, check on suspicious individuals, and make employees aware of the need to keep a record of suspicious activity. Check credentials of service personnel; individuals may pose as service technicians to get into the church.

· Ask ushers and other volunteers to be alert to any unusual behavior before, during, and after official church functions.

· Increase watch presence during holidays and special events.

· Be aware of individuals that may be disgruntled or likely to cause damage to church property through arson or vandalism.

· Be aware that vandalism may precede arson.

· Arsonists may carry a liquid accelerate in an inconspicuous container, such as a beverage container.

· Encourage neighbors to make note of strangers spending time in the neighborhood, either on foot or in vehicles. Write down the license plate numbers of suspicious vehicles and inform the proper authorities.

· Do not advertise on church signs or bulletins when church will not be in use.

· If there is a private security firm in your area, consider a contract with them because they will check the building at unscheduled intervals.

· Involve your insurance agent; they often have good arson/fire prevention ideas

A comment from your WebWeaver:

One friend notes with concern that some of the suggested actions "encourage fear of strangers, which isn't healthy for people in general, or for our democracy."

He also points out, after a little Googling, that "the 'arson prevention suggestions' listed in the article appear to be extracted from a brochure titled 'Arson Prevention for America's Churches and Synagogues' at www.usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/napi1.pdf "

That publication comes from the U.S. Fire Administration, which is a division of the Bush-created Department of Homeland Security run by Tom Ridge.