Faith-Based Daily Awareness Post 14 May 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. 

Weekly Security Sprint, EP 111. Ransomware, Extremist reporting, plus the future of FEMA support, and geopolitical impacts

The Gate 15 Security Sprint is a weekly rundown of the week’s notable all-hazards security news, risks and threats and some of the key focus areas for organizations to consider behind the headlines. Gate 15 team members discuss physical security, cybersecurity, natural hazards, health threats and other issues across our environment.

In this weeks Security Sprint Dave and Andy covered the following topics:

• Ransomware & Data breaches
• Extremism
• USG Transitions

Information on other Gate 15 podcasts can be found here.

Christian Suicide Support Association Publishes New Resource For Churches Seeking to Help Stop ‘Suicide Epidemic’

The Christian Association for Survivors of Suicide Loss (CASSL), a U.S.-based nonprofit, has released the second edition of its resource titled Moving Forward: A Christian Study for Survivors of Suicide Loss. This updated guide is designed for use in small groups or by individuals, aiming to support those affected by suicide and to equip church leaders in establishing suicide support ministries.

According to the World Health Organization, approximately 720,000 people die by suicide globally each year, with the U.S. accounting for 49,000 deaths in 2023. Notably, suicide is the second leading cause of death among individuals aged 10 to 24 in the U.S., with a 52% increase in this demographic over the past two decades.

Analyst Comments: The release of Moving Forward: A Christian Study for Survivors of Suicide Loss represents an important step toward equipping faith-based communities with structured tools to address suicide. The CASSL is helping churches move from silence to support. Faith based organizations often serve as trusted community anchors, particularly in rural or underserved areas. By arming leaders and laypeople with appropriate resources, this initiative empowers faith communities to act as first responders in mental health crises, potentially reducing the stigma of seeking professional help.

What to know about possible Russia-Ukraine peace talks in Turkey

Amid Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, attention has turned to Istanbul for potential peace talks. Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed restarting direct negotiations in Turkey, while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has agreed and challenged Putin to meet in person. The Kremlin has not confirmed whether Putin will attend. Zelenskyy emphasized that only a direct meeting with Putin could lead to meaningful results, asserting this could be Russia’s final chance to end the war.

The initiative follows a coordinated ceasefire appeal from leaders of France, the U.K., Germany, and Poland, backed by the EU and U.S. President Trump, who has promised a swift resolution of the war. Past attempts at peace in Istanbul faltered, with Ukraine rejecting Russian ultimatums. Russia demands Ukraine cede four occupied regions and recognize Crimea and wants Kyiv to abandon NATO aspirations and reduce its military. Ukraine insists on territorial integrity and robust security guarantees.

The battlefield remains active, with both sides preparing for escalated operations. Russia, claiming strategic initiative, has made incremental gains and recaptured territory near Kursk. Previous ceasefires have failed, with mutual accusations of violations. The upcoming Istanbul meeting could potentially shift the war’s trajectory if leaders make direct commitments.

Analyst Comments:  General Gregory Guillot, the head of the U.S. Northern Command (USNORTHCOM) and North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) has issued a warning to the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, indicating that there are “several plausible pathways” in which the war could escalate into direct military conflict between the U.S. and Russia. This belief highlights the importance, and urgency of any peace talks.