In recent years, some communities have experienced heightened tensions or public demonstrations. While these situations vary widely, they can occasionally impact nearby organizations, including houses of worship.
In my field of work, we’re occasionally asked about protests and demonstrations: how to prepare, how to respond and how to keep people safe if one occurs nearby.
While every situation is different, the questions we hear are often similar.
There’s no single playbook for safety. Every ministry and community operates differently. But there are steps you can take now to start the right conversations.
Below are some of the most common questions we receive, along with practical considerations to help guide your planning. Use them as a starting point. Talk through them with your leadership team. Consider how they apply to your specific operations. Preparation doesn’t eliminate uncertainty, but it does position you to respond thoughtfully and confidently during unexpected events. As always, it’s best to consult your local experts for guidance specific to your organization.
How Do We Respect Free Expression While Keeping Our Congregation Safe?
Faith communities are often navigating two priorities at once: honoring the right to peaceful expression while also protecting the people and property inside their walls.
Your focus should be on helping ensure interactions remain calm and safe for everyone involved, and on de-escalating situations whenever possible.
Establish a plan in advance that designates a point person or spokesperson and clearly outlines boundaries for your property. For example, you might determine that demonstrators are permitted in public spaces outside your building, while access to the interior remains restricted.
RELATED: What Churches Need To Know When Protests Disrupt Worship
Several safety considerations can support that plan. These might include:
1. Notifying local law enforcement when appropriate.
2. Consulting legal counsel to understand state-specific considerations.
3. Communicating with staff and congregants ahead of time.
4. Ensuring entrances and exits are monitored and secured.
5. Communicating with parishioners about how to respond calmly and safely.
How Can a Church Strengthen Security To Prepare for Protests or Demonstrations?
Consider conducting a security assessment to evaluate how prepared your property is. This can be as simple as walking your campus with a fresh set of eyes to confirm exterior lighting is functioning properly and identify potential vulnerabilities such as large windows or unsecured access points.
Think through your points of entry in advance. Determine which entrances should remain open, which might need to be limited and whether it’s safer in certain situations to dismiss gatherings in a controlled, orderly manner.
Additional measures can include installing camera systems, ensuring staff and volunteers are trained on emergency procedures, which include periodic drills or simulations, so responses feel calm and coordinated.
What Should a Protest Response Plan Include?
Such plans vary widely depending on the community in which your house of worship is located and the type of security you already have in place. But generally, most emergency response plans have:
- Team roles – Is your faith leader ultimately in charge, or is a lay leader the person who will make decisions? Who will communicate with local law enforcement or parishioners?
- Evacuation procedures – Your emergency response document should include a map of your building that identifies exits, stairwells and designated safe gathering areas. In some cases, you might consider temporarily shifting to remote or virtual gathers as a precautionary step to help protect guests.
- Emergency contact list and communication plan – You will need contact information for staff, emergency services and key leaders. Additionally, there should be a plan for communicating with your congregation.
- Medical emergency protocols – There should be a clear plan in place that identifies protocols for immediate first aid and 911 contact, including AED (automated external defibrillator) locations.
Who Should Engage With Protestors and Government Officials, and How?
The most important aspect of protecting your congregation is de-escalation. Designate individuals who have been explicitly trained for the circumstance to reduce confusion and help de-escalate during high-stress moments. This may include a senior pastor, operations manager, your safety team lead or someone in a leadership role.
RELATED: 7 Reasons Your Church Needs a Safety and Security Team
For example: If unexpected visitors or officials come to your facility, it is helpful for the designated response lead to engage calmly, seek clarification and follow established procedures.
