Posted on 10/07/2015 3:43:29 PM PDT by Perseverando
Around the world, Christians are targeted for persecution and martyrdom, something that is developing even in the United States.
But even as church leaders increasingly are on guard against threats of murderous violence, experts warn they may be ignoring a far more common threat – sexual assault against congregants.
“Sexual assaults taking place on church property is an epidemic in our nation,” Carl Gallups told WND.
“The reasons for it are numerous (and sometimes complex), but the main problem is that most churches have an abysmal lack of adequate security measures. While many churches are concerned about the growing trend of violent attacks and even shootings targeting worshippers, sexual assault, molestation, and robberies are far more common, and preventing them requires a systematic approach and constant vigilance.”
Gallups says he has dealt with such problems firsthand during his over 30 years in the ministry and 10 years in law enforcement.
“The prevalence of these kinds of problems is one of the most important reasons why I wrote my latest book, ‘Be Thou Prepared,’ Gallups stated. “It is frightening to consider the number of lonely, unguarded, and high-probability-of-attack places the typical church contains within the confines of its buildings, parking areas, and other properties.
“Think of it – most churches center around a worship service in which the bulk of its church-going population sits. Yet, teenagers, elderly, and children get up during those services and head to rest rooms and other locations – largely unescorted or unmonitored. It is in those unsecured hallways, restrooms, empty classrooms, walkways, or parking areas, where attacks are likely to occur.”
Such nightmarish cases are in the headlines almost every week. Earlier this month, a 33-year-old man was accused of sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl at a church in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The alleged victim
(Excerpt) Read more at wnd.com ...
You may want to approach this with church leadership about what concerned members can do to increase security, reduce potential threats and crime, and reduce insurance costs and liability.
Suggestion: Unless you have a good relationship with your pastor, talk to some of the laity leadership. It's my experience that clergy are up to their ears in concerns about membership, cash flow, building fund projects, etc. In short, they are just too busy and don't want to address controversy. (Hint: It's about money.)
Not just relationship with clergy staff. The organization needs to have proper controls in place: security, policy, training, etc. never let a child be with an adult alone unsupervised - be vigilant.
Absolutely!
I think churches are becoming more aware of the very real possibility of serious onsite crime. I’m concerned that too many are in denial.
My church has a well-trained, volunteer security team (made up of church members, many of whom are deacons) with walkies, earpieces, and oh yes, firearms. They are discreetly posted throughout the sanctuary during worship services and walk the church campus and parking lots regularly. Most are current or ex-military and ALL are CHL holders. I definitely feel better knowing they are there and are keeping watch over the flock, if you will. I would recommend it for all churches. My pastor is totally on board with this. He’s all too aware of the vulnerability of worshipers, especially in this day and age.
Sorry, I should have said that our security team isn’t just watching for would-be church shooters, but on-site would-be pervs, too. Got so revved up over the armed guards thing that I forgot the original point of my post!
It seems odd, because what you talk about is still not very common, and is a relatively new phenomenon. In the past, churches and society were in sync, issues with perversion or assault would be dealt with according to commonly accepted standards, and of course, churches had the protection of society at large.
churches no longer have the protection of society. Indeed, in some cases, they face outright hostility. Its wise for churches to consider their own security.
I remember a time when even criminals respected churches.
I totally agree with you that it is wise for churches to consider their own security. Mine has had its security team for three or four years. It was well after the Wedgewood Baptist Church shootings in the DFW area, but well before the Charleston shootings. The world isn’t getting any saner and we finally had to acknowledge that fact and make a plan.
I remember the Wednesday night prayer meeting when the guy who did all the legwork to establish the security team presented his research to the church to “sell” us on the concept. Most people were in favor of it, but of course their were a few vocal nervous Nellies who were concerned that there would be “guns in church!!” Naturally, someone piped up and pointed out that “this is Texas and I guarantee you that there are people armed here every week, you just don’t know about it!” It both horrified and shut down those Nellies. Classic.
In another 50 million years, it might catch up with sexual assaults in our public schools.
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