Couple Fear for Safety in Church Music Feud

For two years, in state and federal courts, Antwerp residents Stephen and Mary Diehl have tried to stop a neighboring church from playing Christmas music from loudspeakers atop its steeple. This year, things are even more strained as the feud continues for a third Christmas in the otherwise serene village of about 700 located 25 miles south of the U.S.-Canadian border. The Diehls say they have been harassed and even attacked by angry residents, and now fear for their safety. The First Congregational Church and its supporters say the Diehls are exaggerating, but state police said the couple have filed numerous complaints and requested more patrols. The harassment has included honking cars, crank phone calls and obscene gestures, and Stephen Diehl was once assaulted on his front lawn by an angry church member.