The rise in hostility at Places of Worship

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The alarming trend of violence and hostility targeting places of worship, including churches, mosques, and synagogues, is indeed a significant societal issue that warrants serious attention and action.

Since 1999 there have been twenty-four church shootings. In 2022 alone, four of these took place. Recently, there was a tragic incident at the Lakewood megachurch in Texas, ending in death and injuries. The National Library of Medicine has warned that “the numbers of accidents and disasters resulting in injury and death of the faithful in religious buildings in many parts of the world are on the increase in recent years.” General acts of hostility towards churches, including vandalism, arson, gun-related incidents, and bomb threats are also on the rise. In 2023, the Family Research Council identified 436 incidents, more than eight times the rate reported five years prior.

The rise in church shootings, acts of vandalism, arson, bomb threats, and other forms of violence against religious buildings is deeply concerning and reflects broader societal challenges such as intolerance, extremism, and mental health issues. It underscores the need for comprehensive efforts to address root causes and prevent such tragedies from occurring.

Efforts to enhance security measures at places of worship, including training for staff and volunteers, implementing surveillance systems, and working closely with law enforcement agencies, are crucial steps in mitigating risks and ensuring the safety of worshipers.

In light of these issues across America, ensuring the safety and security of worship places has become increasingly crucial.

1. Risk Assessment: Identifying Vulnerabilities

Every place of worship is unique, and understanding its specific vulnerabilities is crucial for effective security planning. Conducting a thorough risk assessment can help identify potential threats and weaknesses in the worship place’s security infrastructure. This assessment should consider factors such as location, congregation size, and past incidents of violence in the area.

2. Emergency Response Planning: Being Prepared for the Unexpected

Developing a comprehensive emergency response plan is essential for effectively managing security threats in churches. Here is what should be included:

• Emergency Contacts: Maintain a list of emergency contacts, including local law enforcement, medical services, and community support organizations, and ensure that all staff and volunteers are aware of these contacts.
• Evacuation Procedures: Establish clear evacuation routes and procedures for congregants and staff to follow in the event of an emergency. Conduct regular drills to practice these procedures and ensure everyone knows what to do in a crisis. Have evacuation procedures easily accessible.
• Communication Protocols: Implement reliable communication systems, such as mass notification systems, to facilitate quick and effective communication between staff and security personnel during emergencies.
• Anonymous Reporting: Making use of services which allow anyone to report any suspicious activity anonymously can ensure that issues are identified and dealt with before it is too late.

3. Access Control: Strengthening Security at Entrances

Efficient access control is fundamental in safeguarding places of worship. Here's how enhancing access control measures can bolster security:

• Trained Security Personnel: Stationing trained security personnel at entrances to monitor access and deter potential threats. These security personnel can be in plain clothes given this is a place of worship.
• Keycard Systems: Implementing keycard access systems can help regulate entry by allowing only authorized individuals to access the premises. Keycards provide a convenient and secure way to manage access while maintaining control over who enters the facility and keep you aware of who is or is not on the premises. Keycard access can be implemented for church offices. For the main place of worship, typically it has direct access for anyone during the service times. At other times access can be granted with a keycard.
• Surveillance Systems: Installing surveillance cameras at entry points enables continuous monitoring of activity, aiding in the detection of suspicious behavior and enhancing overall security. Also implementing video analytics for intrusion detection and weapons detection with immediate alerts will go a long way in saving lives in case of a violent incident.

References:

Family Research Council:

https://www.frc.org/issueanalysis/hostility-against-churches-is-on-the-rise-in-the-united-states

National Library of Medicine:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34394848/