News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Normandy-priest-murder-main-2_article_image.jpg
PA
World News

Be vigilant and know escape routes: warning to churches after attack

by Hannah Tooley

Fr Jaques Hamel was killed by two men claiming to be from Islamic State on Tuesday.

Churches across the UK have since been encouraged to increase their security and be extra vigilant.

Dr Gregory Cameron, the Bishop of St Asaph, told Premier's News Hour people need to learn their escape routes and be aware of what is happening around them.

BFM via AP

He said: "Try and be aware when services are going on, be conscious of who's coming and who's going and that we try to avoid particularly isolated or vulnerable areas."

He went on: "There's not much one can do to stop the odd madman suddenly deciding to go wild, that can happen anywhere at any time so it is about being vigilant and being mindful of what your escape routes might be."

The Bishop of St Asaph also told Premier that attacks on Christian places of worship are rare in the west, saying "on the whole we must keep things in proportion."

He said this risk is much more common for clergy working in volatile areas: "Christians working in the Middle East, working in conflict zones, risk their lives everyday... and perhaps we in the west have just been very fortunate that it hasn't been a risk that has entered our consciousness."

Listen to Premier's Alex Williams speak to Dr Gregory Cameron here:

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate