CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (AP) - Several churches in Missouri have received threatening letters after the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) voted to approve same-sex marriage.
The Southeast Missourian reports Westminster and First Presbyterian churches in Cape Girardeau and First Presbyterian in Jackson and Perryville received letters warning any church that accepts same-sex marriage "should be burned to the ground."
Cpt. Darin Hickey of the Cape Girardeau Police Department said they would increase patrols of any church or major building that could face a threat.
The Rev. Kim L. Nelson, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Cape Girardeau, said the church's constitution was changed after much debate throughout the church hierarchy.
"This wasn't pushed down from above. We have a very representative form of government" in which clergy and lay people have equal representation when voting, Nelson said.
Nelson informed his congregation about the letter, but "did not want to make a big deal about" it.
"I would love - if this person wanted to have a conversation and be reasonable and not threatening - I would love to have a conversation with them," Nelson said.
The Rev. Grant F.C. Gillard, pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson, is not making a big deal out of the threat, and will not be taking any extra precautions. However, he will address the letter with his congregation.
The new Presbyterian policy on same-sex marriage will go into effect next June.