The Catholic Message Board

After to mass shooter event at the Mormon Church in Grand Blanc last Sunday, I notice that law enforcement is asking church goes to have the 'hard conversation' about Church security. I think that the deterrent of armed security around churches, schools and other places of gathering is a worth while investment in this day and age, but I've heard objections to that that I don't really understand.

What do others here think of that measure?

It was more than a shooter; he first drove his truck directly into the building, then opened fire, and finally set explosives to try to blow the building up. This was an act of terrorism, and let's call it by its name: persecution. They are shooting up churches because they want to kill Christians, specifically. This is just a modern version of what men like Nero and Domitian did.

The reason these people use their cars and trucks as weapons is that this is the kind of attack that is difficult, if not close to impossible, to defend against or prevent.

It requires what's been done in DC and elsewhere: physical obstacles.

Our new archbishop has told priests that they need to draft a plan.

The plan must include armed people in the churches.

I'm a pastor of country parishes. I'm willing to bet that I have parishioners who are packing at every Mass.

Several years ago when I was visiting friends in FL, there were 2 armed guards. The one in the Narthex had a rifle, and the one in the Nave had a side arm. It was a bit disconcerting, but I guess these are the times we're living in. I kind of feel sorry for the kids, but maybe they get used to it. I grew up in an almost Mayberry kind of area.

Have a friend who is a member of a fundamentalist church and who is on their security team. About 50 strong. They drill and train weekly.

He related one case where a sketchy guy showed up. Two of them escorted him to a seat and sat on either side of him.

One parish I was at had a stranger show up carrying a metal box. Two people tackled him (I think one was a cop) when he started to open it. Whatever was in it was innocuous, and he threatened to sue because he got a chipped tooth out of. I think he’s lucky that nothing worse happened.

A man is accused of urinating on the Altar of the Confession at St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, prompting a swift response from security personnel and drawing the attention of many visitors.

Security staff and plainclothes police officers quickly intervened and escorted the man out of the church, according to multiple Italian news outlets. The incident occurred in full view of a large crowd, with footage circulating widely online.

Apparently not the first incident recently.

Yes, churches need security.

When I was at St. Peter's, the actions of the Chinese tourists were such that I would not have been surprised if they had started chipping souvenir chips of the Pieta.

Obi-Wan Kenobi wrote: ↑Fri Oct 10, 2025 10:00 pm I'm a pastor of country parishes. I'm willing to bet that I have parishioners who are packing at every Mass.

But there is a difference between being armed and being ready. It is easy to get caught flat footed when something happens that you don't expect. In big cities at least, sadly, there appears to be a need for someone who is both.

I have no idea ....

A man is accused of urinating on the Altar of the Confession at St. Peter’s Basilica on Friday, prompting a swift response from security personnel and drawing the attention of many visitors.

Security staff and plainclothes police officers quickly intervened and escorted the man out of the church, according to multiple Italian news outlets. The incident occurred in full view of a large crowd, with footage circulating widely online.

Apparently not the first incident recently.

Yes, churches need security.

When I was at St. Peter's, the actions of the Chinese tourists were such that I would not have been surprised if they had started chipping souvenir marble off the Pieta.

... what is going on.

Doom wrote: ↑Sun Oct 12, 2025 8:00 pm

Obi-Wan Kenobi wrote: ↑Fri Oct 10, 2025 10:00 pm I'm a pastor of country parishes. I'm willing to bet that I have parishioners who are packing at every Mass.

But there is a difference between being armed and being ready. It is easy to get caught flat footed when something happens that you don't expect. In big cities at least, sadly, there appears to be a need for someone who is both.

It requires a trained and armed and fit QRT.