Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 14 April 2025

These updates are shared to help raise the situational awareness of Faith-Based organizations to best defend against and mitigate the impacts from all-hazards threats including physical security, cybersecurity, and natural disasters. 

ASIS SERIES 

School safety and security efforts are as multifaceted and complex as the students, staff, and families that make up a school and its community. ASIS offers a series on safety and the blocks of a supportive school communities.  

• Q&A: Building Safety into the Schoolhouse Walls 
• Q&A: School Safety Directors Offer Perspective and Scope 
• Q&A: Why School Nurses Should Get a Seat at the School Safety Table 
• Fast Facts: 4 Building Blocks of Supportive School Communities 

Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2023 

The Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2023 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents reveals a significant surge in antisemitic acts across the United States, marking the highest annual total since the ADL began tracking in 1979. In 2023, the ADL recorded 8,873 incidents of assault, vandalism, and harassment against Jews, representing a 140% increase from the 3,698 incidents documented in 2022. 

Key findings from the report include: 

• Assaults: A 45% rise, totaling 161 incidents 
• Vandalism: A 69% increase, with 2,177 incidents reported 
• Harassment: A 184% surge, accounting for 6,535 incidents 

A substantial portion of this escalation occurred after the October 7 terrorist attacks in Israel. Between October 7 and the end of 2023, the ADL documented 5,204 incidents—more than the total for all of 2022. Notably, 52% of these post-October 7 incidents (2,718) referenced Israel, Zionism, or Palestine. 

The report also highlights significant increases in antisemitic incidents across various locations: Post and Courier 

• K-12 Schools: A 135% rise to 1,162 incidents 
• Jewish Institutions: A 237% increase, totaling 1,987 incidents, largely due to waves of hoax threats targeting synagogues and other institutions.  
• College and University Campuses: A 321% spike, with 922 incidents, most occurring after October 7. 

Related articles: 

• Antisemitic incidents in the US reached record high last year, up 140% from 2022, ADL says 
• Audit of Antisemitic Incidents 2023 
• ADL Antisemitism Audit shows spike in incidents in SC, nationwide 

Analyst Comments: This alarming spike reflects a broader climate of intolerance and geopolitical spillover, especially following the October 7 Hamas attacks in Israel. While the ADL report focuses on Jewish institutions, the spillover effects of this wave often affected interfaith community centers, churches hosting interfaith events, and inter-religious partnerships. Broader research indicates an uptick in targeting of synagogues, mosques, and multifaith prayer spaces, especially during tense geopolitical moments. Preparing for and protecting against rising antisemitic incidents especially in light of the ADL’s 2023 findings involves a combination of community resilience, institutional preparedness, advocacy, and individual vigilance. The FB-ISAO tracks incidents across all communities of faith, and you can read our report on Attacks Against Houses of Worship 2023 here.   

Judge sides with Trump, permits immigration enforcement in houses of worship 

A federal judge has ruled that the Trump administration can proceed with immigration enforcement operations at houses of worship. U.S. District Judge Dabney Friedrich determined that more than two dozen Christian and Jewish groups lacked legal standing to challenge the policy, as there was insufficient evidence that places of worship were being specifically targeted. The plaintiffs argued that the policy infringed upon their First Amendment rights by deterring congregants from attending services due to fears of immigration enforcement. However, Judge Friedrich found that the decline in attendance was more likely attributed to general immigration enforcement activities rather than specific targeting of religious institutions. This decision follows the Trump administration’s reversal of a 30-year-old policy that had designated certain locations, including houses of worship, as “sensitive locations” where immigration enforcement was limited. While this ruling applies to the plaintiffs in this case, a separate lawsuit in Maryland has resulted in a judge issuing a preliminary order restricting enforcement at certain houses of worship. 

Analyst Comments: While narrow in scope, this ruling opens the door for more aggressive immigration enforcement in religious spaces. It raises important questions about the balance between law enforcement, religious liberty, and humanitarian norms and signals a legal environment where faith-based protections are increasingly conditional rather than presumed. Religious institutions, particularly those serving immigrant populations, function as community anchors providing food, shelter, legal aid, and spiritual support. Even perceived threats of enforcement on sacred ground can: 

• Deter congregants from attending worship 
• Disrupt outreach programs 
• Undermine the trust between vulnerable populations and spiritual leaders 

ASIS has previously published guidance on handling ICE enforcement actions which can be viewed here. 

American missionary pastor abducted at gunpoint during church meeting in South Africa 

On April 10, 2025, Pastor Josh Sullivan, a 45-year-old missionary from Tennessee, was abducted during a church service at Fellowship Baptist Church in Motherwell Township, Eastern Cape, South Africa. Four masked men entered the church, robbed two congregants of their cellphones, and forcibly took Pastor Sullivan in his silver Toyota Fortuner, which was later found abandoned nearby. Pastor Sullivan moved to South Africa in 2018 with his wife, Maegan, and their six children to lead the Motherwell church branch. The South African Police Service’s Anti-Gang Unit is investigating the incident as both an abduction and armed robbery. No ransom demands have been reported, and authorities have not confirmed Sullivan’s identity or commented on potential motives. The U.S. embassy in South Africa is involved in efforts to locate Pastor Sullivan. Supporters and family members have taken to social media to express concern and request prayers for his safe return.   

Related articles: An American pastor was abducted at gunpoint in South Africa while preaching a sermon 

Analyst Comments: The recent abduction of Pastor Josh Sullivan highlights a growing security risk for missionary and faith-based organizations, especially in regions with high crime rates like parts of South Africa. The fact that he was abducted during a church service at gunpoint underscores the vulnerability of religious institutions, where congregants are focused on worship and less likely to anticipate violent threats. Faith leaders and religious organizations in foreign regions should be aware of potential targeting whether it may be for financial reasons, political leverage, or a means to disrupt religious communities. As always, the FB-ISAO resources has resources on securing facilities securities and people.