The world we have created Houses of worship are meant to be places of shelter, reflection and peace, where strangers are welcome. But the recent string of high-profile mass shootings in the U.S. is a reminder violence can happen anywhere, prompting some faith leaders to ramp up security. At Geneva Presbyterian, armed security guards now stand watch every weekday and during Sunday services. The church also is adding more security cameras, developing an active shooter plan and applying for Department of Homeland Security funding. “We’re not trying to militarize the church,” Marsh said. “We prayed about it and made a decision to have armed security as an act of faith.” Without the new security measures, Marsh predicted that a mass exodus by the congregation and the schools on the church’s campus would have followed the shooting. US houses of worship increase security after gun massacres - Tampa Bay Times
I have mentioned it before. But the reform temple in Tampa has had armed security for many years. It’s been common among Jewish places of worship for a long time.
We used to try to sneak into the Scientology mothership in Clearwater. That was 30+ years ago. Memory is a little hazy but thought some of the security had more than earpieces and radios.
We don’t have security at my church. We’re employing thoughts and prayers for security. Although the cops direct traffic before and after so they are pretty visible.
Institutions that do not pay taxes should not benefit from tax payer dollars. If the pro-some-lifers want armed guards to kill people, they should have to pony up themselves.
What other non-tax paying groups would you deprive of benefits? The 25% of the country that does not pay income tax? The homeless? Illegal immigrants when they arrive here? The people who attend churches pay taxes, so you would deprive them of the benefits also?
Good point. When a church catches afire, we send the FD so ..... but an armed officer for every church (and school) will get expensive quickly. A friend of mine is a member of a church in a crossroads community just outside of G'ville. He stands in the rear of the sanctuary with his pistol and cc permit for the duration of the service. Sad commentary to mention the need for arms in a sanctuary but here we are.
The church I go to has armed people in case there was a need for security. However, they are not paid to my knowledge. They are volunteers who are either off duty or former police officers or people with military security experience.
The churches I know that have police security and/or police for traffic control pay for those services. No way a police force can protect churches equally. That’s not their purpose. One exception may be a known threat were the local police think having an officer close by may prevent a crime. Those are few as far as I know.
What about citizens who don’t work and don’t pay federal, state or local taxes? Should they have to figure out how to police and protect their communities?
Our church has several members who carry. I’m sure a nut job might do a little damage before he was taken down, but they most assuredly would be.
Other than criminals, who probably do not want to be policed, exactly where are all of these non-tax paying unicorns...other than hiding in churches?
Police protection doesnt stop at the door of a non profit. I work for Habitat for Humanity. So by your weird belief my office should have to pay the cops to come out provide security at a fundraiser? The cops aren't sworn to protect us? They should never provide security at our events? Maybe they shouldn't be at the Special Olympics either? BTW most churches are paying off duty cops. Ours does. Our sheriff allows them to use their car and uniform, but the church pays.
Isnt the threshold 25k to pay taxes or something like that? Are you unaware of how many such people there are in this country? Thats a lot of hard working single moms trying to balance work and school or what have you. But sure. Criminals. :/
There is a good deal overlap between the people who want lots of guns floating around and those who go to church. Reap what you sew.
My synagogue has been on high alert since 2015. Private security for high holidays is very well trained and armed to the teeth. I was head usher/security lead for ten years and we had plans in place for armed intruders. Pretty sure those have been updated. Only know of one member who carries and he's the current head of safety and security. There's a group of orthodox shuls in the city that offer training for churches and synagogues.
Uhh… yeah. Any entity of any type hosting a special event should pay for its own security. That is actually true whether it’s a for profit enterprise or otherwise. If special security is needed, the host of the event needs to factor that in and pay for it. It shouldn’t be taxpayers doing it for free. Fiscal Conservatism 101, but as I’ve often said fiscal conservatives in this country are as rare as unicorns. Obviously if there is a large gathering it’s also in the public interest to have police presence “in the area”. They can increase police presence and patrols around the area on the public’s dime for such events. But they shouldn’t literally be “providing security” (nor traffic control!) unless it’s contracted and fully paid for.
