Safety in the pews
The same church doors that invite in the lost, the weary and the downtrodden also swing open for people bent on hurt others.
Such was the case Sunday, when a man gunned down two people and injured several others at a Unitarian Universalist Church in Knoxville, Tenn.
According to The Associated Press, Jim D. Adkisson, 58, has been charged with first-degree murder for the shooting deaths of two members of Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church. Seven others were wounded as they sat watching a children’s musical performance at the church.
Was there anything the church could have done to prevent such a tragedy from occurring?
Should churches lock their doors during events and activities and worship services, in an effort to prevent people from coming in and victimizing the congregation?
The issue poses some tough questions.
I did a story on the subject a few years ago and some church leaders said they had security personnel for special events and some worship services, but most did not.
Most of them said they could not foresee locking church doors during services and events because they would risk shutting out those who need ministry.
What do you say?
What can be done to make churches and houses of worship more safe during worship services and activities?
Let me know by sending me an e-mail at chinton@oklahoman.com.
Carla Hinton
Religion Editor
Update: First Unitarian Church of Oklahoma City is hosting a prayer vigil for the Tennesee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church congregation at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at 600 NW 13.
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