Arm places of worship for safety

With multiple active shooter incidents in mosques, synagogues and churches worldwide, the need has now become apparent to step up our safety protocols in these public venues. There is reluctance to implement safety measures in houses of worship as they feel it will lower their image of a safe place for all who enter. This has become a fallacy as the rampage has created fear in those who attend any service. The need is to institute a level of safety that does not interfere with the religious service.

It should be transparent to not discourage members, especially the elderly, from attending. Some of the proposals are to have armed attendees and make public notice that their members are carrying weapons. Worship leaders and others should be trained in the discipline of protecting and assisting all in harm’s way.

The urgent need is to implement safety measures so that we may again feel safe in any house of worship.

Bob Sweeney

Warwick, R.I.