Launched amidst a rise in attacks and outdated security practices, SPIRIT recognizes the crucial role of religious communities in safeguarding their sacred spaces. The recent surge in violent attacks on religious institutions underscores the urgency for enhanced security. Examples like the 2016 attack on a Catholic church in France, the 2019 Christchurch Mosque shooting, and the 2020 Vienna synagogue incident serve as grim reminders. While communities often unite in solidarity after such tragedies, proactive collaboration, particularly on security matters, is essential for prevention.
Recognizing the diverse needs and security challenges faced by various religious communities, SPIRIT organized 5 workshops across Europe. These workshops served a dual purpose:
- Vulnerability Assessment: Each workshop brought together religious authorities and community members to conduct a vulnerability assessment for a local place of worship. This collaborative process fostered communication and understanding of individual security concerns.
- Building Bridges: The workshops also facilitated crucial interaction between religious and security communities. Bridging this gap is vital considering their distinct priorities and perspectives. Religious communities often prioritize openness, while security professionals focus on protective measures. Cultural contexts further influence security needs and the organization of worship spaces.
The workshops, held in Athens, Thessaloniki, Barcelona, Munich, Brussels, and Rome, included representatives from Jewish, Muslim, Catholic, and Orthodox communities. Notably, the Rome workshop brought together influential figures from the Abrahamic religions, fostering interfaith dialogue on security concerns.
The first phase of SPIRIT successfully fostered collaboration by gathering communities and facilitating the exchange of security perspectives. The project aims to sustain these connections through various initiatives:
Training Programs: Recognizing the lack of security training among worshipers, SPIRIT will implement programs that train community members alongside security professionals and law enforcement officials. This will enhance safety within places of worship while fostering ongoing collaboration and relationships.
REAACT Platform: The project’s REAACT platform aims to establish interreligious local security communities. This online platform will facilitate long-term communication and collaboration on security matters.
Knowledge Sharing: By uniting diverse communities under a common security umbrella, the project fosters knowledge sharing. Experiences and best practices can be disseminated across different faiths, enriching the overall security posture. In the upcoming months, SPIRIT aims to initiate the Cluster among ISF projects focused on protection the places of worship and public spaces, in order to accelerate the projects developments and results.
SPIRIT’s efforts in fostering collaboration between religious communities and security officials paves the way for a safer future for places of worship. Sharing experiences, ongoing dialogue, and the strong involvement of religious authorities underscore the project’s significance. As the threat landscape evolves with new technologies, maintaining these relationships and adapting security measures while respecting the sanctity of religious spaces will be paramount.
Author: Eugenie Descour (former EOS trainee), Elodie Reuge (Senior Project Manager, EOS)
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