Arson attacks on churches prompt safety warning in Boston – Deseret News

Federal authorities have called on religious groups in the Boston area to increase security after several houses of worship in the area were hit in suspected arson this month.

The warning from the Boston Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives came late last week as faith groups prepared to meet the first weekend after Election Day.

“ATF’s Boston Field Division said there was no specific threat but cited an increase in incidents over the past six months, including in the Massachusetts communities of Franklin and Kingston and Woonsocket in Rhode Island.” NBCBoston reported.

The leader of one of the congregations affected by the increase in arson incidents told CBS Boston how the fire affected his community physically and spiritually.

St. in Franklin, Massachusetts. A fire inside the church in late October caused extensive smoke damage that will cost about $1 million to repair, said the Rev. Bob Poitras of St. Mary’s Church.

The church has adopted new procedures to keep potential attackers away from the building while it continues its cleanup efforts.

“We don’t leave anything open during the week anymore,” Pastor Poitras said. “I think we underestimated how comfortable our community is in this congregation and how wonderful our community is. But all it takes is that one problem, that one mistake, and the next thing you know you’re getting hurt.”

In addition to locking the doors, the ATF has called on faith groups to install more security cameras and educate church members on how to stay safe, according to CBS Boston.

Federal officials also encouraged religious leaders to reach out to them with questions and to work with local law enforcement to assign extra neighborhood patrols.

“ATF says all community leaders, clergy and facility managers can contact the bureau with questions and concerns,” NBC Boston reported.

Boston is not the only community currently facing an increase in faith-related violence. Federal authorities issued a similar national security order after Hamas attacked Israel last year, warning that Jews and Muslims in particular should take extra precautions. Desert News has been reported previously.

In October 2021, Catholic leaders in the United States released a report on vandalism and arson, stating that Catholic communities across the country were facing shocking attacks.

“There is a lot we don’t know about this phenomenon, but they at least underscore that our society is in dire need of God’s grace.” the report saidaspect Desert News has been reported previously.