How can churches prepare for tragedies?

DENVER (BP) — The Denver area has seen its share of senseless shootings. From Columbine to the 2007 shootings at a Youth With a Mission center and New Life Church and now the Aurora theater, churches have sought to prepare for a similar attack during their services.

Bob Ryan, team leader for the Mile High Baptist Association, said people must be assured that the church is a safe place, not just spiritually, but also physically. Many of the churches in the area have had training for security, he reported.

“If the shooter had come to one of our churches wearing the type of gear he had on, it would have been dealt with outside,” Ryan said. “It’s not necessarily about having concealed weapon permits, but about having a plan in place for something like this.”

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