Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to bolster security efforts surrounding places of worship in the wake of the escalation of violent attacks against people and places of faith across the nation.
“Places of worship are sacred,” said Abbott. “We will marshal all resources necessary to safeguard our places of faith. To accomplish that objective, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to bolster security efforts to protect places of worship.”
But the question looming in the minds of church members is “Will make a difference?”
Locally, Rev. Jay Kelley of the Austin Street Church of Christ, said places of worship, by their very nature, can be subject to violence.
“The church is called to be a refuge for those oppressed and to call out ungodliness in society. That makes some people angry,” said Kelley. “As our society becomes more post-Christian (another term for paganism) churches will become targets more often.”
Asked about Abbott’s efforts to enhance security, Kelley was skeptical and didn’t think it would make a difference.
“I think what the governor is doing is mostly smoke and mirrors to make people feel better,” said Kelley. “People already report threatening activity, and I hope law enforcement takes it seriously, but we can’t become a fortress and still reach out to the community. Also, many of the attackers were either off the radar or known to church members.”
Kelley said it is important for each church to monitor security and take steps to protect those who attend churches and their various functions.
“Our goal is that no one attacker or victim is hurt,” explained Kelley. “We pay attention to our grounds, keep doors locked whenever possible and have people watching doors that may be unlocked. We promulgate a plan to our teachers and ushers as well as one for our members.
“One interesting development is that as we began to work on a plan in case we were attacked, we realized our medical and fire plans were woefully inadequate. As a result, our congregation is better prepared now for the more likely event of a medical emergency or fire during services.”
Other churches across Texas have varying expectations and confidence in Abbott’s call for increased law enforcement protection, and many are adding their own security layers, including cameras, locked doors and qualified members to carry weapons.
Abbot said the coordination and partnership with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, including Texas Highway Patrol troopers, Criminal Investigations Division special agents, and Texas Rangers supported by DPS’ Homeland Security Division to identify threats and prevent lifethreatening attacks before they happen. Texans are also reminded to use the iWatchTexas Community Reporting System to report any suspicious activities or behaviors in and around their schools, places of worship, and communities that may indicate criminal, terroristic, or school safety-related threats.