Should Churches Lock Doors During Service

The press journal talked to religious leaders at eight churches and asked about their security protocol.

Should churches lock doors during service.

Time to lock the church doors once services begin. We have a separate building for s s. Our church closes the door and has ushers on the outside that let people in during certain points in the service so that the noise and movement do not bother those inside during the very quiet contemplative times. During sunday or midweek worship services interior church doors should be secured unless a specific function is going on in that room or wing recommends chuck chadwick founder and director of gatekeepers alliance.

If the rectory is on the grounds you could have asked the priest to let you in. Yes many churches now need to be locked in the evening. Local churches have started locking either some or all of their doors during worship services in response to safety concerns from recent mass shootings. Only a few decades ago it was a common practice for churches and other places of worship to leave their doors unlocked practically 24 7.

Assign an usher or team member to lock doors once your service starts. Ensure that the exit doors remain unlocked from the inside. Four said they locked either some or all of the doors during worship three said their doors remained unlocked during services and one said the congregation has discussed security measures but not yet made a decision. Sensitive areas of the church should have an access control system that allows only authorized people to enter he says.

In the wake of the texas shooting and other acts of violence a pastors group suggests protective measures for the faithful by faithzette staff. One church where i was to preach has a lovely front facade which borders on the sidewalk. Monitor doors and lots. A general understanding seemed to exist that held these locations as sacred and in most people s minds places of worship were viewed as areas of refuge where you could pray meditate reflect or seek spiritual counsel no matter what time of day or night it might be.

During services assign a volunteer to monitor an unlocked door or two volunteers for the parking lot. Here are ten ways churches signal newcomers they are not wanted. Or see if another church in your area or near work has evening masses prayers services or a perpetual adoration chapel. The front door is locked.

Any unlocked doors should be actively monitored. Classes and lock it completely when it s over. However you can see in though the doors and the service is piped into the ante room. While most churches have closed their doors in compliance with government recommendations to stop the spread of coronavirus a few are making headlines for their defiance.

Once church starts the only way inside our church is through the front doors where a uniformed police officer can see anyone entering.