In Brief

"To assert that there is a moral equivalency between the racist policy of apartheid and the efforts to protect the citizenry of Israel is unconscionable," the ADL leaders wrote in a letter to Presbyterian officials last week, accusing delegates of ignoring deadly attacks on Israel by suicide bombers and other security threats.

But the Rev. Victor Makari, the Presbyterian's liaison to the Mideast, said in support of divestment, "If nothing else seems to have changed the policy of Israel toward Palestinians, we need to send a clear and strong message."

The delegates also rejected a proposal that would have suspended funding to a Philadelphia "messianic" congregation that uses Jewish rituals as part of its efforts to convert Jews to Christianity. The ADL said the votes raise concerns about any interfaith dialogue between the denomination and Jewish groups.

-- Associated Press

Noise Ordinance Vote A Victory for Mosques

Residents of Hamtramck, Mich., have upheld an amendment to the city's noise ordinance, a victory for those who favored permitting mosques to issue the call to prayer over loudspeakers.

The vote Tuesday was 1,462 to 1,200.

In April, the City Council approved the amendment after a mosque sought permission to start broadcasting Arabic chants that are traditionally issued five times a day.

The council's unanimous action prompted protests from some longtime residents of this once predominantly Polish city of 23,000 people. In recent years, the Detroit suburb has experienced a rapid increase in immigration from Yemen, Bangladesh and other nations.

The al-Islah mosque began the call to prayer in May. At least one other mosque in the city has begun using loudspeakers.

-- Religion News Service