Finding the Balance 

   We visit our synagogues and churches for obvious reasons. But there are characters afoot who would harm us for their own nefarious reasons. Some have succeeded. 

   There is a balance between welcoming and protecting the congregation. 

   Congregation Beth Israel in Texas had received training from the FBI, the local police department and the Anti-Defamation League - all of which helped the rabbi stay calm during a hostage standoff in January. Only the 44-year-old gunman was killed. 

   A park ranger/police officer says, "A uniformed officer deters many troublemakers, though having covert off-duty law enforcement or security inside is also important." 

   In a Texas church, a few armed deacons and volunteers hand out bulletins and watch for anything out of the ordinary. They lock doors during the service and guard the children's building. Most of the security team is former military.  

   One of the members says, "Doing something is better than doing nothing. It's about being prepared with the volunteers you have." 

   Some security operators wear plain clothes and carry hand-guns. Other churches hire uniformed officers. 

   Being overly aggressive may turn people off...and out. Some training in California emphasizes "layered security" of different ministries like ushers and Sunday school teachers. Hospitality and security don't have to be at odds with one another, they say. 

   Pastors and rabbis might be held responsible if an accident harms innocent attendees. They are probably wise not to know who carries. 

   Finally, we heard of church members who don't support weapons. If someone kills a number of attendees, they say, it is God's will. If that's true, we should disband our national defense and...... 

        Jimmy