Churches, temples, and synagogues aren’t just buildings; they’re the community’s living room. They’re where neighbors break bread, kids learn the Bible or the Torah, and people come together to pray, lift up the hurting, and celebrate Jesus. But as recent tragic incidents show, sacred spaces aren’t immune to violence from radicals. We don’t need hand-wringing; we need reasonable, practical security solutions that respect our freedoms, preserve hospitality, and keep worship uninterrupted.

First, security should be smart, not theatrical. That means hardening entry points, clear egress routes, and trained volunteers who know what to do when danger shows up. It’s about preparedness, not paranoia. When doors are well-lit, when ushers are trained to spot threats, and when there are simple, practiced lockdown routines, a church can deter attackers and respond faster than chaos allows.

Second, it’s about local control. The heartbeat of security belongs to the people who actually run the place: the pastors, the lay leaders, and the security volunteers in the pews. We don’t need a federal “czar” dictating how to run worship; we need funding and guidance that respect local context, culture, and church autonomy. Grants, tax incentives for security upgrades, and state support for training programs make sense without turning houses of worship into fortresses.

Third, protect the vulnerable without compromising open doors, a friendly face at the door, and a sense that everyone is welcome. That means security measures must be designed to be unobtrusive, non-intimidating, and consistent with biblical hospitality and civic responsibility. It’s possible to be both warm and vigilant.

Fourth, digital security matters. A church’s livestreams, donation platforms, and databases are prime targets for cyber threats. Protecting these systems is part of safeguarding the people so the gospel can go out online as smoothly as it does in the nave.

What should Congress and state governments do? Provide targeted funding for physical security upgrades, secure entry systems, cameras, and protective barriers that deter vehicle attacks without creating a mood of fear. Fund training for ushers and volunteers in de-escalation, emergency communication, and crisis response. Clarify legal protections for legitimate self-defense in faith settings so congregations aren’t left vulnerable by vague statutes. Support cyber-resilience for digital ministries and donor networks.

A practical roadmap: audit each house of worship for risks; implement layered security that preserves openness; train teams with real-world drills; establish clear lines to local law enforcement; and share best practices across communities so the faithful can worship with confidence.

Let leaders push for this with urgency. Admonish lawmakers to back sensible security measures that respect liberty and taxpayer dollars. The goal isn’t militarization; it’s peace of mind so worship can continue, communities can flourish, and faith can shine through in a city that never stops. In defending sacred spaces, we defend the people who fill them — neighbors, children, the vulnerable — so every prayer, every hymn, and every sermon can rise without fear.