---

Presbyterian Church threatened over Israel
The Presbyterian Church USA stepped up security at its headquarters and its churches after receiving a letter threatening arson attacks because of its policies in the Middle East.

The letter, received Nov. 10 at the church's Louisville headquarters, threatened to set churches on fire while people were inside in retaliation for "anti-Israel and anti-Jewish attitudes," said Jerry Van Marter, director of the Presbyterian news service.

The letter had no return address, but it was postmarked from Queens, N.Y., Van Marter said. The letter gave a Nov. 15 deadline for the church to reverse its Middle East policies, he said.

In June, the church's General Assembly decided to begin selective divestment from corporations doing business in or with Israel.