A new guide from the Department of Homeland Security released Wednesday aims to help churches, synagogues, mosques, and other houses of worship protect themselves at a time of heightened tensions in faith-based communities across the country.
The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), an arm of Homeland Security, works with faith groups across the country to help them prepare for and prevent targeted violence against their facilities and members. David Mussington, who is in charge of infrastructure security at CISA, says the goal of the 16-page document is to provide usable information in an easily understandable format.
“It’s designed to be clear, to be less jargon-filled and to provide guidance and assistance in getting assistance from us,” Mussington said.
The guidance, called “Physical Security Performance Goals for Faith-Based Communities,” outlines how faith groups can better protect themselves. It includes suggestions such as keeping landscaping trimmed to prevent hiding places for attackers and only giving out necessary information during livestreams of services.
The guide also emphasizes the importance of having a plan in place for emergencies and having designated spots where people can go. It also highlights federal government grants that houses of worship can apply for to enhance their security.
Mussington said the guidelines have been developed in response to concerns expressed by various faiths about their security.
“In this continued heightened threat environment, the Department of Homeland Security is committed to protecting every American’s right to live, express, and worship their faith freely and in safety,” said Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.
The guidance will be distributed through CISA offices and their network of protective security advisers across the country.
The release of this guidance comes at a time when many communities of faith in America are feeling unease. Jewish communities, in particular, have been worried about rising antisemitism even before the recent Hamas attack on Israel. Mayorkas noted an increase in threats against Jewish, Muslim, and Arab American communities in the U.S. since the attack.