wfn.org | [PCUSANEWS] PC(USA) receives arson threat

[PCUSA NEWS <PCUSA.NEWS@ECUNET.ORG>]

Note #8573 from PCUSA NEWS to PRESBYNEWS:

04508
November 12, 2004

PC(USA) receives arson threat

Presbyteries alerted to New York-based letter

By Jerry L. Van Marter

LOUISVILLE - 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

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