The Church has issued to leaders the following instructions regarding security and safety at church:
Our meetinghouses are sacred spaces where all should feel welcome and safe to connect with our Savior Jesus Christ and with each other. Following the recent tragic events in Michigan, as well as the changing security climate globally, we reiterate that people feeling welcome and safe in sacred spaces is a top priority.
As leaders, you are encouraged to regularly review the Church Security Resources page available in the Help Center and discuss safety with your ward and stake councils. As you do so, consider the following:
- 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.
For emergencies, call your local designated emergency number (911, 999, 0, etc.). In the United States and Canada, questions regarding these guidelines, security training for members, specialized security assignments, or security incidents should be directed to local leaders and to the Church Security Department (1-801-240-2661 or toll free at 1-844-537-7000). In all other areas, questions should be directed to the Area Security Manager (ASM), the Director for Temporal Affairs (DTA), or local leaders.
We hope this guidance will help you be prepared to properly react to disruptive, violent, and/or unlawful situations at Church meetings and events.