Most churches either lack awareness or lack action and over 75% have no formal written emergency procedures for staff and volunteers to address threats and violence.
This statement is supported by findings from Church Executive and Lifeway Research, which indicate that while many churches believe they are prepared, only 22% have active security and emergency plans in place. Smaller congregations are especially vulnerable due to limited resources, and many rely on informal or verbal protocols that fall short during actual emergencies.
It is critical for faith-based organizations to understand their legal and ethical responsibilities regarding duty of care and premises liability. As property owners and community leaders, these organizations are obligated to take reasonable steps to protect all invitees—including congregants, volunteers, and visitors—from foreseeable harm or injury while on their premises. Failure to implement adequate safety measures can increase vulnerability to incidents and expose organizations to significant legal risks, including liability for injuries that occur as a result of preventable threats or unsafe conditions. Ensuring a robust duty of care is not just a legal necessity, but a moral imperative in preserving the sanctity and safety of gathering spaces.
Executive Summary
Faith-based organizations including churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship, as well as schools, are confronting a growing wave of threats and violent incidents.
Recent data show hostile acts against U.S. churches reached record highs in 2023, more than doubling the 2022 figure. Over the past six years, incidents targeting houses of worship have risen by over 800%. These acts range from vandalism and arson to mass shootings and bomb threats, affecting religious communities of all denominations.
Notably, while Protestant Christian churches make up the majority of U.S. congregations, minority faiths (Jewish, Muslim, others) are disproportionately targeted, often driven by hate. Schools have also been targets of deadly violence, as seen in several high-profile school shootings.
Key findings include:
- Escalating Incidents Nationwide: From 2018 to 2023, there were at least 915 hostile acts against U.S. churches. In 2023 alone, 436 incidents were documented – occurring in 48 states (California and Texas saw the most). Concurrently, dozens of violent attacks on worshippers and clergy were recorded over the past decade. This trend underscores a heightened nationwide threat environment for faith communities.
- Varied Threat Types: The majority of incidents involve property destruction. In 2023, over half (56%) of reported attacks on houses of worship were vandalism, arson, theft, or graffiti. About one-third (32%) were threats of violence – including bomb threats, harassment, and hoax “swatting” calls. The remainder involved physical violence (shootings or assaults on persons). Attack motives vary from ideological hatred (antisemitism, racism, anti-Christian sentiment) to personal grievances or mental health crises. For example, hate crimes overwhelmingly underlie attacks on Jewish and Muslim institutions, whereas many church vandalism incidents relate to political anger (e.g. over social issues).
- Soft Targets and Seasonal Peaks: Houses of worship and schools are often “soft targets” – open-access gatherings with minimal security – making them attractive to violent offenders. Patterns show certain periods experience surges in threat activity. In 2023, an average of ~77 incidents occurred monthly through November, but December spiked to 184 incidents (largely due to a barrage of emailed bomb threats during the holiday season). Heightened tensions around religious holidays and current events (e.g. a Middle East conflict) have led to waves of threats against Jewish and Muslim communities. Additionally, summer months have seen vandalism related to social controversies (for instance, churches displaying Pride flags were targeted in June).
- Geographic and Denominational Disparities: No region is immune – incidents were reported in nearly every state. However, urban areas with larger faith communities see the highest volumes. Half of all 2023 incidents occurred in just nine states, with New York, California, Florida, and Texas leading. The nature of threats differs by region and faith: Jewish synagogues and community centers have been prime targets for bomb threats and vandalism especially in the Northeast and Florida; Protestant churches (the most numerous congregations) have suffered widespread vandalism and occasional deadly shootings, particularly in the South and West; Catholic churches have faced arsons and graffiti (notably in Northeast and Midwest states); Mosques and Islamic centers, though fewer in number, have experienced high-profile assaults and property attacks in states like New York and Minnesota.
- Impact on Communities: These threats and attacks create an atmosphere of intimidation and fear within faith communities. They interfere with the free exercise of religion by making congregants feel unsafe. In several cases, lives have been lost or permanently altered by violence on sacred ground. Even incidents without physical injury – such as desecration of sanctuaries or terrorizing bomb hoaxes – inflict psychological trauma and financial costs, eroding the sense of sanctuary that houses of worship and schools strive to provide.
Recommendations: In response to this evolving threat landscape, faith-based organizations and educational institutions must adopt a proactive security posture. Key recommendations include:
- Strengthen Physical Security: Implement access controls, surveillance cameras, and improved lighting around facilities. Identify and fix vulnerabilities through professional security assessments. During high-attendance events or holidays, consider additional on-site security personnel or law enforcement presence.
- Form Safety Teams and Plans: Establish a dedicated security or safety ministry team responsible for emergency planning. Develop comprehensive Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for various scenarios (active shooter, fire, bomb threat, natural disaster, etc.) and update them regularly. Ensure plans are aligned with best practices (e.g. FEMA’s guidelines for houses of worship) and cover evacuation, lockdown, shelter-in-place, and reunification procedures.
- Training and Drills: Provide regular training to staff and volunteers on emergency responses, including Run-Hide-Fight protocols for active shooter situations and basic first aid/trauma care. Conduct realistic drills (e.g. lockdown drills during services or classes) so that congregants, teachers, and students know how to react under stress. Empower leaders to make quick decisions and guide people in a crisis.
- Increase Vigilance and Intelligence Sharing: Promote a culture of “See Something, Say Something” – encouraging everyone to report suspicious behavior or threats immediately. Stay informed on local threat alerts (e.g. via FBI, DHS or faith-based information-sharing networks). Build relationships with law enforcement; invite them to walkthroughs of the facility so they are familiar with layouts and can respond faster. Leverage federal resources such as DHS security guides and nonprofit security grants when available.
- Community Resilience and Communication: Prepare communications plans to quickly alert congregation members and parents in an emergency. After an incident, ensure mental health support is available – the emotional recovery of the community is as important as the physical security. Work with interfaith and community partners to present a united front against hate. By reporting all incidents and cooperating with authorities, faith communities can help bring perpetrators to justice and deter future attacks.
With robust preparation and vigilance, faith-based organizations and schools can mitigate risks and continue to serve as safe havens. The following report provides a detailed analysis of recent incidents, threat patterns, risk factors, and emergency planning strategies to enhance security for houses of worship and educational centers.
Incident Highlights by Date and Location
Major incidents of violence and threats against faith-based institutions and schools in recent years include numerous hate-motivated shootings, bombings, and other attacks. The table below highlights some notable events (in chronological order), showing the wide geographic spread and varied nature of these attacks:
🕒 Table: Major Incidents Targeting Houses of Worship (Chronological)
| Date | Location & Venue | Description of Incident |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 22, 2025 | Damascus, Syria – Mar Elias Church (Greek Orthodox) | Suicide bombing and shooting during Divine Liturgy killed at least 30 worshippers and injured 54. |
| Jul 13, 2025 | Lexington, KY – Richmond Road Baptist Church | Gunman killed two women and injured others after shooting a state trooper; suspect was then killed by police. |
| Jul 6, 2025 | Naples, FL – Manantial de Vida Church | Armed man threatened a mass shooting inside the sanctuary; staff de-escalated and evacuated children without injury. |
| Jun 22, 2025 | Wayne, MI – CrossPointe Community Church | Armed intruder opened fire outside the building; fatally shot by church security, wounding one staff member. |
| Mar 17, 2025 | Wichita, KS – St. John Catholic Church | Vandalized with anti-Catholic hate-speech graffiti; federal authorities launched a hate-crime investigation. |
| Feb 7, 2025 | Vatican City – St. Peter’s Basilica | Intruder attacked the high altar during service, causing damage; suspect was detained by Swiss Guards. |
| Apr 10, 2024 | Amarillo, TX – St. Mary’s Catholic Cathedral | Priest pepper-sprayed while hearing confessions; no serious injuries, led to suspension of general confessions. |
| Mar 3, 2024 | New York, NY – St. Mary Byzantine Catholic Parish | Overnight intruder vandalized the rectory and office; police investigating as a potential hate crime. |
| Sep 29, 2024 | Paris, TX – Love Tabernacle Church | Building set ablaze after racist graffiti, including the N-word; authorities treating it as a hate-crime arson. |
| Dec 9, 2024 | Suffolk, VA – Divine Church of Deliverance | Armed congregant fired a shot near the pulpit; tackled by the pastor, no injuries. |
| Mar 27, 2023 | Nashville, TN – The Covenant School | Former student opened fire at a Presbyterian-affiliated school, killing six and wounding others before being stopped. |
| Jan 15, 2022 | Colleyville, TX – Congregation Beth Israel | Hostage crisis during Sabbath service; 11-hour FBI SWAT rescue freed all captives unharmed, suspect was killed. |
| Apr 27, 2019 | Poway, CA – Chabad of Poway Synagogue | Shooter killed one and wounded three during last day of Passover service; off-duty agent chased and detained him. |
| Oct 27, 2018 | Pittsburgh, PA – Tree of Life Synagogue | Antisemitic mass shooting during Shabbat service killed 11 worshippers and injured six others. |
| Nov 5, 2017 | Sutherland Springs, TX – First Baptist Church | Rifle-wielding gunman killed 26 and injured 20 in rural Sunday service—the deadliest church shooting in Texas history. |
| Aug 5, 2017 | Bloomington, MN – Dar Al-Farooq Islamic Center | Pipe bomb thrown into the mosque during morning prayers; caused extensive damage but no injuries. |
| Jun 17, 2015 | Charleston, SC – Emanuel AME Church | White supremacist murdered nine African American congregants during Bible study, including the senior pastor. |
| Aug 5, 2012 | Oak Creek, WI – Sikh Temple of Wisconsin | White supremacist opened fire during services, killing six worshippers and wounding four; shooter was killed by police. |
Table: These cases illustrate the range of perpetrators (from lone-wolf extremists to organized militias), motivations (racism, antisemitism, anti-religious hate, personal grievance), and attack methods (firearms, explosives, hostage-taking) that have endangered worshippers and students. Each tragedy has spurred renewed calls for preparedness and protection of soft targets like houses of worship.
Common Threat Types and Seasonal Risk Peaks
While violent incidents can happen anytime, analysis reveals certain patterns over the calendar year in the types and frequency of threats against houses of worship. Security experts track these trends to anticipate seasonal risk peaks – periods when threats historically intensify. The timeline below summarizes common threat dynamics through a year, noting when particular attack types surge and key examples:
| Timeframe (Season) | Threat Patterns and Notable Trends |
|---|---|
| Winter (Jan – Mar) | Post-holiday Spike: The new year often begins with an uptick in vandalism and hostility incidents. In January 2023, for instance, 43 acts of hostility against churches were recorded – a sharp increase compared to previous years. Many of these were vandalism or arson attacks on church property, symptomatic of rising societal tensions. High-profile event: On March 27, 2023 (late winter), the Covenant School shooting in Nashville (a Christian school) stunned the nation with 6 killed. Analysis: Early in the year, political or social issues can trigger anger toward churches (e.g. debates around Roe v. Wade or other cultural flashpoints have led to vandalism of churches known for their stance). Churches should be vigilant after major legal or societal events, even in winter. |
| Spring (Apr – Jun) | Holy Days and Polarization: Spring brings major religious observances (Passover/Easter, Ramadan) that can draw large crowds – and potential threats. Security often intensifies around Easter Sunday and Jewish holidays in April. Though statistically this period sees moderate incident levels, there have been deadly outliers (the Columbine High School massacre in April 1999 and Virginia Tech in April 2007 occurred in spring; more recently, the Poway synagogue shooting happened at the end of Passover in April 2019). In late spring and June, ideologically driven vandalism tends to rise. For example, during Pride Month (June), several churches that displayed LGBTQ pride flags or messages in 2023 were vandalized by extremists (incidents in Washington state in June 2023 involved pride flags stolen or defaced, and graffiti referencing Bible verses condemning homosexuality). Analysis: As weather warms and more events are held, offenders may feel emboldened. Recommendation: treat spring holy days as high-alert periods and be mindful of any controversial community stances that could provoke attacks (coordinate with police for extra patrols during major events). |
| Summer (Jul – Sep) | Rising Threats Through Summer: Historically, summer months have seen sustained levels of attacks, with a concerning pivot in threat type observed mid-year 2023. Starting around July 2023, a wave of remote threats – particularly bomb threats and bogus emergency calls (“swatting”) – began targeting Jewish institutions and other religious centers. These continued through August and into the fall, marking a shift from predominantly in-person vandalism to anonymous electronic threats. Through July–September, vandalism and arson incidents still occurred (for instance, an act of arson at a Tennessee church in August, or the foiled arson at a Colorado synagogue in August), but the proportion of incidents that were bomb threats grew significantly. Late summer and early fall also coincide with high holy days for Abrahamic faiths (e.g. the Jewish High Holy Days in Sep/Oct, Islamic gatherings) which often come with elevated security concerns. Analysis: By summer’s end, the overall incident count in 2023 was climbing steadily. Faith-based Information Sharing data showed an average of ~77 incidents per month through Q3. Recommendation: Use the relatively lighter summer months for intensive training (security drills, volunteer onboarding) in anticipation of the busy fall season. Also, prepare for new threat modalities (like emailed or phoned-in threats) – have protocols for handling bomb threat calls or social media threats during this period. |
| Fall & Holiday Season (Oct – Dec) | Peak Risk Period – Holidays and Geopolitical Tensions: In the final quarter of the year, threat levels historically surge, requiring maximum vigilance. In October, houses of worship marking events like Diwali or hosting fall festivals should be mindful of security. Notably, geopolitical flashpoints have immediate repercussions: after war broke out in the Middle East on October 7, 2023, the FBI reported a 60% spike in hate crime threats (mostly against Jewish targets) in the U.S. within weeks. This led into November–December with an unprecedented wave of antisemitic threats. By December 2023, incident volume skyrocketed – 184 attacks/threats in that month alone, 138% above the monthly average. Many were mass-emailed bomb threats and hoax shooter alerts to synagogues during Hanukkah and to churches around Christmas. Such “swatting” incidents forced evacuations and service disruptions nationwide. Meanwhile, December holiday services (Christmas, New Year’s) mean packed churches – which have sadly been targeted in the past by those seeking to maximize casualties. Analysis: The holiday season combines large gatherings with symbolic significance, which extremist actors may seize upon. Both anti-religious hate groups and international terrorist propaganda have referenced attacking during holy days. Recommendation: Treat late fall and winter holidays as critical periods: increase security visibility, utilize bag checks or metal detectors for major events if feasible, and ensure emergency plans (for evacuation or lockdown) are drilled before year-end. Federal agencies often issue holiday threat advisories – leadership should review these and implement suggested protective measures. Even after the holidays, maintain vigilance into January as retaliatory or copycat incidents have occurred in early January in previous years. |
Table: Seasonal timeline of threat activity for houses of worship and schools.
In summary, incidents tend to escalate into the year’s end, with December being especially volatile (in 2023, December’s incident count was more than double any prior month). However, no season is truly “low-risk.” Tragic attacks have occurred in all seasons (from summer campground Bible study shootings to winter holiday church arsons). Thus, continuous preparedness is required year-round, with extra precautions during known high-risk periods like religious holidays and times of heightened societal unrest.
U.S. Church Threat Risk Matrix (By Region, Denomination, and Venue Size)
Security risks to faith-based organizations vary across different regions of the United States and across different denominations or faith traditions. Factors such as local demographics, regional hate group activity, and congregation size all influence the threat profile. The matrix below categorizes risk patterns for Christian churches (Protestant and Catholic) and other houses of worship (Jewish synagogues and Islamic mosques) in four broad U.S. regions. It highlights which types of venues tend to face higher threats in each region, and what forms of attacks are most common:
| Region | High-Risk Faith Targets & Venue Characteristics | Common Threat Types and Notable Patterns |
|---|---|---|
| Northeastern U.S. (e.g. NY, NJ, PA, MA) | Urban Jewish synagogues and community centers are top targets in the Northeast. New York in particular sees a high concentration of threats against Jewish institutions and also against prominent Catholic churches (e.g. cathedrals or churches known for social advocacy). Large, historic churches and synagogues in major cities face the most risk. Smaller Protestant churches exist throughout the region but, relative to their numbers, have faced fewer attacks. | Antisemitic hate crimes and bomb threats are a major concern in this region. New York had more bomb threats than any other state in 2023, overwhelmingly targeting Jewish facilities. Graffiti and vandalism (e.g. swastika vandalism) against synagogues occur frequently. Catholic churches in the Northeast have experienced vandalism and theft – for example, statues defaced or donation boxes stolen. Overall, the Northeast’s dense population means any large venue (a big synagogue, a famous church) is a potential target for lone-wolf attackers or hate groups. |
| Southern U.S. (e.g. TX, FL, GA, TN, AL) | The South has a very high number of Protestant Christian churches (Baptist, Methodist, etc., including many small rural congregations). These, by sheer volume, constitute a large share of incidents. Notably, the South also has many historically Black churches, which have been targets of racist violence in the past. Megachurches and televangelist centers (large venues) are prominent in states like Texas and Florida, which could attract attackers seeking high casualty counts. There are significant Jewish and Muslim communities in Florida and Texas, but churches remain the primary focus of hostility in much of the South. | Vandalism and arson are the most common threats to Southern churches. Texas led the nation in church arson incidents in 2023. For instance, multiple arsons at Black churches or pro-life churches were reported in recent years. Shootings have also occurred in Southern churches – e.g. Texas was site of the Sutherland Springs massacre (2017) with 26 killed, and a church shooting in Charleston, SC in 2015 killed 9. Motives range from racial hatred to personal grudges against a local church. Florida in particular sees a mix: many antisemitic incidents (it had one of the highest numbers of attacks on Jews outside the Northeast) and high incidents against Christian churches, making its threat profile diverse. In sum, Southern houses of worship face a wide spectrum of threats: from petty vandalism at small country churches to deadly mass shootings or hate crimes at larger congregations. |
| Midwestern U.S. (e.g. OH, MN, IL, WI) | The Midwest includes states with large Catholic populations (e.g. Ohio, Illinois) and some with concentrated Muslim communities (Michigan, Minnesota). Catholic churches and pro-life religious centers in the Midwest have been frequent targets of vandalism (especially surrounding debates like abortion). Mosques in the Midwest, while fewer, have seen significant attacks – for instance, Minnesota had a notable mosque bombing (Dar Al-Farooq, 2017) and ranks among the top states for attacks on Islamic facilities. Protestant churches are also common across the Midwest (especially in rural areas), but high-profile incidents have skewed towards the other denominations in certain Midwestern states. | Property damage is prevalent – e.g. a rash of graffiti and statue defacements at Catholic churches in Ohio and Illinois in recent years. Ohio was highlighted as having a high number of attacks on Catholic institutions in 2023. Anti-Muslim hate crimes have surfaced: besides the Minnesota mosque bombing, there have been assaults and harassment near Midwestern mosques (sometimes by individuals influenced by islamophobic propaganda). Active shooter incidents in Midwestern churches have been rarer but not unheard of – a notable case was the 2012 Sikh temple shooting in Wisconsin (6 killed), an incident of white-supremacist terrorism. In general, Midwestern faith communities face moderate risk – less volume than the coasts, but still pockets of intense threat, especially where minority faiths are present amidst less diversity (making them stand out as targets for hate). Large urban churches and synagogues in Chicago, Minneapolis, etc., take extensive security measures due to these concerns. |
| Western U.S. (e.g. CA, AZ, WA, CO) | The West is diverse, with California being home to numerous mega-churches, synagogues, temples, and mosques. California in particular had the highest number of church incidents of any state in 2023 (33). Protestant churches (including many progressive churches) and Jewish synagogues are prime targets in the West. The West Coast has also seen anti-Asian bias incidents affecting temples and mosques. Large venues – like California’s mega-churches or prominent synagogues in Los Angeles and San Francisco – are conscious of being potential targets due to visibility. The Pacific Northwest (Oregon, Washington) has fewer large religious centers, but anarchist or extremist vandalism has affected smaller churches there (e.g. multiple churches in Washington state vandalized in 2023 over social issues). | The Western region sees a high rate of ideologically driven vandalism and harassment. California led in incidents like church vandalism, graffiti, and even assaults on clergy in 2023. For example, churches in California that took stances on abortion or LGBTQ inclusion have been spray-painted or had windows smashed by oppositional extremists. Assaults and disturbances during services have also been reported (California had the most assaults on worship facilities of any state). Meanwhile, antisemitic threats remain very high – after New York, California and Florida are next for volume of antisemitic incidents targeting synagogues. The Poway synagogue shooting (2019) exemplified the lethal danger. In the Western states, another concern is spillover from extremist groups; for instance, neo-Nazi or accelerationist groups active in the Pacific Northwest have plotted against local congregations. Additionally, the West’s experience with wildfires and earthquakes adds an environmental dimension to risk (as many churches have been damaged during disasters). In summary, Western houses of worship – especially large multicultural congregations in California – face high risk of both hate-motivated attacks and general security threats, and must prepare accordingly. |
Key Insights: Across all regions, larger and higher-profile venues (big-city congregations, well-known churches or synagogues) tend to attract more threats because attackers seek visibility or maximum impact. However, smaller congregations are not immune – they often have limited security and can fall victim to local extremists or personal vendettas. For example, the Sutherland Springs shooting targeted a tiny rural church, and the attacker was a local resident with personal motives. The risk matrix also highlights that minority faiths (Jews, Muslims, Sikhs), despite being a smaller fraction of the population, endure disproportionately high rates of severe attacks (including the deadliest mass shootings). Regionally, areas with a history of organized hate groups or polarized social politics see more frequent incidents. Southern and Western states, with many active churches, report the highest counts of incidents, but the Northeast has a pronounced problem with antisemitic threats.
Venue Size Considerations: In evaluating risk, size matters in nuanced ways: Large venues or megachurches have more people present (appealing to attackers aiming for mass casualties) and high public profiles (attracting ideological adversaries), but they may also invest more in security (guards, cameras) which can deter some attackers. Small congregations often lack security infrastructure, making them “soft targets” – an attacker might choose a small church because it’s easier to strike unopposed. Many hate crimes (burnings of small Black churches, vandalism of small-town synagogues) fit this pattern. Law enforcement notes that lone-wolf extremists often prefer targets of opportunity where there’s low chance of armed resistance. Thus, every faith community – regardless of size – should assess its risk: large institutions must guard against high-end threats like terrorism or active shooters, while small ones should not overlook basics like locks, alarms, and an emergency plan.
Emergency Plans and Mitigation Strategies (Kearnan Consulting Group)
In light of persistent threats, developing robust emergency preparedness plans is essential for faith-based organizations and schools. Professional security firms like Kearnan Consulting Group, LLC have created specialized emergency plan frameworks to help churches, synagogues, and religious schools prepare for, respond to, and recover from crises. Kearnan’s approach emphasizes proactive preparation, effective response protocols, and risk mitigation tailored to the unique needs of worship communities. Below is an overview of specific emergency plans and strategies advocated by Kearnan Consulting Group, focusing on safety for faith-based venues:
- Comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan (EOP): Kearnan offers an Emergency Operations Plan that provides a high-level, all-hazards strategy for crisis management. This plan is aligned with FEMA’s National Incident Management System framework and serves as an executive policy guide for church leadership. It covers major emergency scenarios – from natural disasters to active shooter situations – and outlines leadership roles, decision-making hierarchies, and coordination with authorities. The EOP helps church boards and school administrators set preparedness priorities, allocate budget for security measures, and establish a crisis communication strategy in advance. By having this “blueprint” in place, organizations can respond cohesively when an incident occurs, rather than scrambling ad hoc. (Preparation focus: big-picture planning, roles, and resource allocation.)
- Emergency Response Plan (ERP): At the operational level, Kearnan’s Emergency Response Plan is a detailed procedural guide for staff and volunteers during specific emergencies. The ERP (available in an expanded ~79-page version or a succinct 26-page version) covers step-by-step protocols for Evacuation, Shelter-in-Place/Lockdown, handling Intruders or Active Shooters, Medical Emergencies, Fires, Bomb Threats, and more. For example, it spells out exactly what to do if an armed attacker enters during worship: who calls 911, how to alert the congregation (code words or alarms), locking doors, designated safe rooms, etc. It also includes instructions for less dire incidents (like disruptive individuals or suspicious packages) so that any abnormal event is met with a predefined response. The ERP is designed to be user-friendly – volunteers can quickly reference sections during an incident. By training church staff on these protocols, responses become automatic and effective, which saves precious time in crises. (Response focus: immediate actions and safety procedures.)
- Family Reunification Plan (FRP): Recognizing the chaos after an emergency (especially one involving children), Kearnan includes a Family Reunification Plan as part of its emergency planning. This plan details how a church or school will reunite children or separated attendees with their families following an evacuation or lockdown incident. It outlines controlled pick-up points, verification steps (to ensure children are released to the correct guardians), and methods to account for everyone. For instance, after an active shooter incident at a Christian school, having a reunification protocol prevents panic by guiding parents where to go and ensures no child goes missing in the confusion. Including reunification steps in the emergency plan is critical for minimizing trauma and establishing order in the aftermath. (Mitigation focus: post-incident recovery and accountability.)
- Safety Response Team Procedures & Guidelines: Kearnan Consulting emphasizes building an in-house Safety Ministry or Security Team at churches. They provide a comprehensive set of procedures and guidelines for these volunteer teams. This includes guidance on team structure (recruiting the right volunteers, often off-duty police or alert congregants), training requirements (e.g. de-escalation techniques, basic first aid), and clearly defining team members’ roles during services and events. The guidelines also cover creating “zones” of responsibility within the building, communication protocols (like radio use), and even template forms for incident reporting. A notable inclusion is behavioral threat monitoring – the team is trained to watch for warning signs in individuals (unusual clothing that could hide a weapon, agitated behavior, etc.), as studies show early detection can prevent violence. By formalizing a safety team with proper procedures, faith organizations mitigate risk through constant vigilance. (Preparation & mitigation focus: on-site personnel ready to prevent or respond to threats.)
- Training and Drill Programs: Any plan is only as good as the training behind it. Kearnan develops Safety Response Team Training Plans to ensure skills are practiced. These training plans include modules like Firearms qualification for armed security volunteers (where permitted), scenarios for active shooter drills, medical emergency simulations, and table-top exercises for leadership. There are also tools for tracking training attendance and proficiency, and templates for After-Action Reports to capture lessons after drills or real incidents. Regular drills – such as quarterly evacuation drills or annual full-scale crisis exercises – are encouraged. Kearnan’s philosophy is aligned with FEMA and OSHA guidelines: training must be continuous and updated (“Plan-Do-Check-Act” cycles). This ensures the emergency plans remain live documents, not sitting on a shelf. (Response focus: muscle memory through rehearsals; Mitigation focus: continuous improvement from drill feedback.)
- Regulatory Compliance and Best Practices: Kearnan Consulting Group points out that leveraging established best practices and complying with safety regulations is itself a mitigation strategy. Their plans are built to meet standards from FEMA, the Department of Homeland Security, OSHA, and the National Fire Protection Association. For example, the emergency plans incorporate OSHA’s requirements for emergency action plans (EAPs) in workplaces, and FEMA’s guidance on evacuation and sheltering. By following these vetted frameworks, faith-based organizations reduce legal liability and ensure nothing critical is overlooked. Kearnan warns against ad-hoc “copy-paste” plans; a plan should be vetted, tested, and supported by authorities. Adhering to proven models gives church leaders confidence that their plan will hold up under scrutiny and in practice – which ultimately saves lives in an actual emergency.
In practice, a church or synagogue working with Kearnan Consulting would receive a suite of documents covering all the above: an overarching Emergency Operations Plan, the tactical Emergency Response Plan (with the reunification appendix), and the Safety Team handbook and training program. This holistic approach addresses the full lifecycle of an incident: pre-incident preparation and risk reduction, mid-incident crisis response, and post-incident recovery. For example, prior to an event, the church has done a risk assessment and strengthened doors (pre-incident mitigation); during an attack, trained ushers implement lockdown procedures (incident response); after the threat is neutralized, leaders initiate reunification and trauma counseling (post-incident recovery).
Creating a Culture of Safety: A final aspect Kearnan emphasizes is cultivating a mindset among all staff and members that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Leadership support is crucial – clergy and boards need to champion these security initiatives, not resist them. Kearnan notes that some organizations initially avoid heavy security topics, but success stories in states like California, Texas, and Florida show that when churches wholeheartedly adopt safety programs, they thrive without compromising their welcoming atmosphere. Consistent communication about why measures are in place (to protect the flock) helps get buy-in from congregants. Over time, drills and security briefings become as normal as any other church activity. This cultural shift is perhaps the greatest mitigation strategy – when a community is alert, prepared, and united, it inherently deters those who would do harm. As one security guide notes: “No religion is exempt from a possible act of violence…house of worship security should be planned and practiced”. By implementing these professional emergency plans and fostering a safety culture, faith-based organizations and schools can honor that principle, turning their sanctuaries into places that are not only spiritually nourishing but also physically secure.
Conclusion
In summary, the rising tide of threats and violence against faith-based organizations and schools in the United States demands urgent and unified action. The data reveals not only an alarming escalation in the frequency and severity of such incidents, but also the unique vulnerabilities faced by smaller congregations and diverse faith communities. As soft targets, these institutions carry the weighty responsibility of safeguarding their members while maintaining the welcoming spirit that defines them. Legal and ethical obligations underscore the necessity of moving beyond informal or verbal protocols toward the adoption of comprehensive, written emergency plans. The impact of violence, whether physical or psychological reaches far beyond individual incidents, fracturing the sense of sanctuary and belonging that is central to religious and educational life. To preserve both safety and sacredness, faith-based organizations must embrace a proactive security posture. This means investing in physical security measures, forming dedicated safety teams, developing robust emergency action plans, and ensuring ongoing training and preparedness for all staff, volunteers, and congregants. Only through such comprehensive efforts can these communities fulfill their duty of care, mitigate legal risks, and restore the trust and peace essential for spiritual and educational flourishing. The challenge is not great, but the imperative to act is greater still and the call to protect and prepare cannot be postponed.
