Leaders in each of the 31,676 congregations of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are being asked to review their safety procedures and emergency response preparation.
The church security department in Salt Lake City sent the letter Thursday to stake, district, ward and branch leaders around the world.
The letter noted the Sept. 28 attack on a sacrament meeting in Grand Blanc, Michigan, that left four dead, more than 10 wounded and the meetinghouse burned to the ground.
“Our meetinghouses are sacred spaces where all should feel welcome and safe to connect with our Savior Jesus Christ and with each other,” stated the letter, which called security a top priority for the church.
The letter did not directly refer to guns, but it did direct local leaders to a security resources webpage, which has a link to the church’s General Handbook policy on weapons.
“Firearms and other lethal weapons are not allowed on church property,” the policy states. “This includes concealed weapons. This does not apply to current law enforcement officers.”
The security letter encouraged stake, mission and district presidencies and bishoprics, branch presidencies, ward and stake councils and their presidencies to regularly review the security resources webpage.
It also asked those local leaders to discuss safety in ward and stake council meetings.
Some of the guidance applies to all church members.
The letter asked people to:
- Follow the guidance of the Spirit as you implement established policies and procedures.
- Be aware of your surroundings. If you notice anything unusual, notify law enforcement.
- Only unlock necessary entrance doors and clearly communicate which doors are unlocked to attendees.
- Stay with another person or in a group and walk together to the parking lot following activities.
- Build working relationships with emergency response personnel.
- Have emergency response procedures in place that include active shooter training.
- In emergencies, call the local designated emergency number (911, 999, 0, etc.).
The church has a meetinghouse security training video for all members on the resource page.
“We hope,” the new letter said, “this guidance will help you be prepared to properly react to disruptive, violent and/or unlawful situations at church meetings and events.”