Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 12 September 2024

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.

Redding faith leaders gather to boost security at houses of worship

From the ABC 7 KRCR report:

REDDING, Calif. — The preaching was on security and safety at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church in Redding on Wednesday, and members of this congregation were paying close attention in an age where houses of worship can be targeted by people with bad intentions.

The people in the pews were leaders of local faith traditions and others interested in safety and security where, and while, they worship.

The ‘Faith-based Organization and Houses of Worship Symposium’ brought together the FBI, Department of Justice, Department of Homeland Security, Shasta County Sheriff’s Office, Redding Police Department and the Federal Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).

…

“If the attack is motivated by intolerance or hatred toward one religion or faith, then that would be a violation of that person’s constitutional right and that’s where the FBI can come in and investigate, work with our local partners, collect evidence, fully investigate and hold the perpetrator accountable,” Nathaniel said.

…

Parish Administrator Father Cirilo Cervantes’ church has been vandalized in recent years. He was happy to open the sanctuary to members of all faith communities because of the importance of the message.

“It brings us to be more attentive, more prepared, knowledgeable and, of course, implement what is important to do at this situations,” Cervantes said.

Related Item:

• Readout of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division’s Meeting with Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian and Hindu Community Stakeholders

“Combating hate crimes, protecting religious freedom and addressing claims of discrimination are among the division’s top priorities. Yesterday’s meeting represents the department’s ongoing efforts to engage with organizations and stakeholders on issues affecting Muslim, Arab, Sikh, South Asian and Hindu communities.”

Analyst Comments:

DHS’ Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the FBI, and local law enforcement are providing outreach to Faith-Based Organizations (FBO). FBOs should consider inviting CISA, the FBI, local law enforcement and surrounding FBOs to security gatherings like the ‘Faith-based Organization and Houses of Worship Symposium’ held by Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church. Not only will FBOs receive the most up-to-date security and resilience information, FBOs will have the opportunity to develop or improve relationships with federal agencies, local law enforcement, and other FBOs.

Contact information for your local and regional CISA Protective Security Advisors (PSA) can be found at CISA Regions.

Contact information for your FBI Field Office can be found at Field Offices — FBI.