Why Churches Need Private Security:

Protecting Sacred Spaces in a Time of Rising Threats

Why Churches Need Private Security: Protecting Sacred Spaces in a Time of Rising Threats

By Conflict Resolution Group

In the early hours of April 8, 2025, an alarming event unfolded in the quiet community of Jordan, Minnesota. A man forcibly entered a residence owned by St. John the Baptist Parish, occupied by the parish priest, Father Neil Bakker. Wearing one of the priest’s vestments and wielding a hammer, the intruder attempted an assault inside a place meant to be a refuge of peace.

Thankfully, Father Bakker was unharmed. But the incident underscores a larger, uncomfortable truth—houses of worship are increasingly becoming targets of violence.

This growing trend demands that churches, synagogues, mosques, and other faith-based institutions take proactive measures to protect their clergy, communities, and sacred spaces. At Conflict Resolution Group (CRG), we believe that private, professional security has a vital role to play.

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The Rising Threat Against Faith Communities

The attack in Jordan is not an isolated event. Across the United States, churches have experienced a troubling increase in targeted violence:

• Sutherland Springs, Texas (2017): A gunman opened fire during Sunday services at First Baptist Church, killing 26 and wounding 22 others—the deadliest mass shooting in a place of worship in U.S. history.

• Charleston, South Carolina (2015): A racially motivated attack at Emanuel AME Church left nine dead during a Bible study.

• Laguna Woods, California (2022): One person was killed and five others injured when a man opened fire in a Taiwanese Presbyterian church.

These acts of violence are driven by many factors: political extremism, religious hatred, mental illness, and personal vendettas. Regardless of motive, they all reveal a common and growing threat: sacred spaces are no longer immune to the dangers of the outside world.

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Why More Attacks Are Likely

Several societal trends point to continued risk:

1. Increased Social Polarization
   Political and ideological divisions have heightened tensions, including among religious and ethnic groups.

2. Mental Health Crises
   Public systems often fail to intervene before individuals with untreated mental illness resort to violence.

3. Symbolic Value of Churches
   For attackers seeking attention or to make a statement, religious institutions represent powerful societal symbols.

4. Soft Target Vulnerability
   Churches are typically open-door environments with minimal physical security, making them easy targets.

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Why Private Security Is Essential

In this landscape, churches must not only rely on prayer—they must also rely on preparation. That’s where private firms like Conflict Resolution Group (CRG) step in.

CRG has been proudly protecting Catholic churches in Minneapolis for several years, ensuring the safety of priests, patrons, and parish infrastructure. We also secure mosques and large interfaith religious events, including those held at the Minneapolis Convention Center.

Our team of NCS-certified protective agents (National Church Security) understands the unique dynamics of religious spaces, offering a professional, discreet, and respectful presence that preserves sanctity while preparing for the worst.

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Three Steps Churches Can Take to Protect Themselves

1. Implement Professional Security
Hiring trained and certified security personnel offers both a visible deterrent and an immediate response capability. A trusted firm like CRG provides tailored protection without disrupting worship.

2. Conduct Risk Assessments
Partner with professionals to evaluate vulnerabilities in your buildings, routines, and congregation behaviors. Assessments should include control of entry/exit points, surveillance systems, and emergency response plans.

3. Train Staff and Volunteers
Offer regular training for ushers, clergy, and key personnel on recognizing suspicious behavior, responding to emergencies, and maintaining calm. This empowers the community without instilling fear.

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Final Thoughts

Faith communities should never have to fear for their safety in places of worship. But in a world where threats continue to rise, preparedness is not paranoia—it is responsibility.

The story of Father Neil Bakker is a sobering reminder of how quickly peace can be shattered—and why vigilance is not a betrayal of faith, but a defense of it.

Conflict Resolution Group stands watch—so communities can worship in peace.

But our mission goes beyond presence. It's about preserving the sanctity of worship without compromise. It’s about standing in the breach when danger threatens the vulnerable. It’s about ensuring that clergy do not have to look over their shoulders, that parishioners do not have to scan doorways during prayer, and that holy spaces remain places of refuge, unity, and divine connection.

When tragedy strikes a church, it echoes through the community. It shakes faith—not just spiritually, but in the systems meant to protect us. Our role is to restore that trust.

To be proactive, not reactive.
To be visible, not as a force of fear, but as a symbol of peace through strength.

We stand with churches of every denomination, with mosques, synagogues, temples, and sacred assemblies—not because we are called by doctrine, but because we are driven by duty.

In an age where threats may enter through open doors, Conflict Resolution Group ensures safety walks in first.

Worship should never be a risk. And as long as houses of faith exist, so will our commitment to protect them.