oiip

United in Response: Collaborative Approaches in Protecting Places of Worship

Blog post by Annika Scharnagl written in the context of the "PARTES" project
March 2025

Ongoing conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine and the war in Gaza, influence the safety of Places of Worship (PoW) in Europe. There has been a rise in attacks against Jewish, Muslim, and Christian PoW, with various perpetrator groups calling for violence against these religious communities. In addition to the increase in physical attacks on PoW and believers, online hate has escalated dramatically. Another consequence of these wars is the impact on interreligious understanding and cooperation. However, especially in times of crisis, effective communication, trustworthy partnerships, and longstanding friendships are of utmost importance in providing mutual support.

To enhance the protection of PoW, the PARTES project team developed the multi-dimensional  PARTES Guardian Approach. This framework is based on two years of project experience, workshops, and interviews conducted at both national and EU levels with representatives from PoW, civil society organisations (CSOs), and academia. The approach identifies seven key dimensions as critical for PoW security: cooperation with external partners, physical security measures, community engagement, mental health support, financial planning, cybersecurity, and training.

The following sections outline these dimensions and provide practical examples for each. For further information, consult the  PARTES Guardian Approach on the PARTES project webpage.

1. Cooperation with External Partners

Building strong relationships with law enforcement, community organisations, and other faith-based institutions enhances security. Collaborative efforts, such as joint security teams and increased police patrols during high-risk periods, can significantly reduce vulnerabilities.

Within the PARTES project, several events at local and international levels have facilitated contact between different religious communities and law enforcement agencies. Participants responded positively to these encounters, and where consent was given, contact details were shared within the group to foster long-term exchanges.

A prominent example of interfaith resilience is the Festival of Resilience in Germany. This initiative emerged following the 2019 attack on a synagogue in Halle on Yom Kippur, where the perpetrator failed to enter the synagogue but subsequently killed a pedestrian and a man in a kebab restaurant. In response, Jewish survivors of the attack initiated the festival to strengthen solidarity and build a shared future. Since then, strong alliances against right-wing violence—transcending religious divisions—have been formed, incorporating music, speeches, and informational seminars. The event in 2024, titled Despite Doubts (Trotz Zweifel), symbolised the determination to remain engaged and resist even in times of uncertainty.

2. Strengthening Physical Security

A robust security infrastructure is essential for safeguarding PoW. Measures such as high-definition surveillance cameras, controlled access points, and regular security patrols can prevent attacks and ensure swift responses to threats.

Within the PARTES project, seven key security steps were identified as a basic guideline for the safe operation of PoW:

1. Exterior Lighting – Adequate lighting reduces delinquent activities.

2. Security Cameras – Visible cameras and signage indicating video surveillance serve as strong deterrents.

3. Alarm System – Installing an alarm system with visible warning signs enhances security.

4. Security Personnel and Patrols – Publicising security measures and ensuring visible security, either through permanent guarding or frequent patrols, discourage threats.

5. Fire Safety Plan – A well-prepared fire safety plan can significantly mitigate potential fire damage.

6. Evacuation Plan – A properly designed evacuation plan ensures safe exits and prevents overcrowding.

7. Training & Implementation – Integrating these measures with proper training in security planning and crisis response is essential for effective implementation.

3. Community Engagement and Awareness

An engaged and vigilant community is a key security asset. Encouraging congregants to participate in security workshops and interfaith events fosters inclusivity and strengthens the overall safety of worship spaces.

Initiatives in Austria and Germany exemplify successful community engagement. The House of One in Berlin is a joint project between Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities to establish a shared building that will house a synagogue, a church, and a mosque. The facility is intended as a space for prayer, interfaith dialogue, and interdisciplinary learning. A similar initiative is underway in Vienna, where eight religious communities (Catholic, Buddhist, Protestant, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, New Apostolic, and Sikh) are collaborating to develop the Campus of Religions. While construction is ongoing, representatives of these communities already meet regularly, provide mutual support, and demonstrate interfaith unity in times of crisis.

4. Mental Health Support

Security is not solely about physical protection but also emotional well-being. Providing counselling and training religious leaders in psychological first aid helps congregants process trauma following security incidents, fostering a resilient community.

Mental Health First Aid International has developed a set of guidelines for assisting a person following a potentially traumatic event. Their approach emphasises that first aid providers should support affected individuals until professional help is available or the crisis is resolved. Training in mental health first aid is available through regional branches in several European countries.

Religious communities can further strengthen their preparedness by developing community-specific guidelines for responding to traumatic events, ensuring they are equipped to address psychological distress effectively.

5. Financial Planning for Sustainable Security

Ensuring the safety of PoW requires financial resources, yet religious communities often have limited funding for security improvements. Long-term security efforts necessitate sound fiscal planning, including the establishment of dedicated security funds, community contributions, and resource-sharing initiatives.

Fundraising campaigns specifically for security enhancements can provide the necessary funding. When planning security for events, realistic assessments of personnel costs should be conducted, considering the use of professional security services alongside volunteers. Having congregants monitor entry points can reduce costs while leveraging their familiarity with the community to identify potential threats. Another cost-saving strategy is resource-sharing with nearby institutions.

6. Cybersecurity in the Digital Age

As PoW increasingly rely on digital platforms for communication and fundraising, cybersecurity is more critical than ever. Implementing firewalls, encryption, and staff training helps prevent cyberattacks, phishing scams, and data breaches.

The PARTES project partner Diakonija of the Latvian Evangelical Lutheran Church regularly underscored the importance of regulating online discourse and creating barriers against cyber threats. To protect against online hate speech, communities should develop moderation guidelines, appoint content moderators, and raise awareness of reporting tools for hate speech. The Council of Europe’s No Hate Speech Youth Campaign provides country-specific resources to counter online hate.

Diakonija has developed a proactive cybersecurity approach for religious organisations, emphasising:

• Collaboration with cybersecurity experts,

• Establishment of secure communication channels for reporting incidents,

• Regular security audits,

• Adoption of cybersecurity technologies such as antivirus software, multi-factor authentication, and routers with built-in security features (e.g., firewalls, domain filtering, and VPN capabilities).

7. Comprehensive Training for All Stakeholders

Training is key to preparedness. Scenario-based drills, evacuation simulations, and emergency response training ensure that religious leaders, staff, and congregants know how to react in crisis situations.

When planning security training for the local community, it is beneficial to involve police and fire services. This fosters mutual familiarity with the PoW’s specific security needs and improves coordinated emergency responses.

Conclusion

A multi-layered approach to PoW protection allows for the identification of security vulnerabilities and offers avenues for strengthening defences. In addition to the Guardian Approach, the PARTES project has compiled national best practices for safeguarding PoW against extremist violence. These best practices align with the Guardian Approach’s key dimensions and are summarised in Action Sheets, which cover areas such as community involvement, communication strategies, cybersecurity, data protection, and physical security measures.

The rise in attacks against PoW, alongside increasing online hate and deteriorating interreligious relations, demonstrates the urgent need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to protection. While ongoing conflicts create challenges for religious communities across Europe, they also underscore the importance of solidarity, preparedness, and resilience. By strengthening partnerships, implementing security measures, and fostering interfaith cooperation, religious communities can actively contribute to their own safety while reinforcing the broader social fabric of mutual understanding and support.