JUNE 18, 2015, 10:59 PM LAST UPDATED: THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2015, 11:08 PM
BY JEFF GREEN AND MONSY ALVARADO
STAFF WRITERS |
THE RECORD
For as long as Mack Cauthen could remember, Bible study at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Englewood has always been open to not only members of the congregation, but anyone who is interested in learning and sharing their experiences.
But a day after nine people were killed during a prayer meeting at a historic black church in Charleston, S.C., Cauthen, a church deacon, and other North Jersey religious leaders were grappling with how to continue the church’s mission to welcome and attract new members while keeping their congregations safe.
“We are trying to reach as many people as possible to join us and to learn, but at the same time what do you do?” Cauthen asked. “Try and restrict people, and who is the judge?”
The Rev. Melanie Miller of the AME Zion Church in Hackensack said the shooting will compel churches to discuss what security measures can be instituted, while balancing the religious needs of the community.
“When things like this happen it not only instills fear, but at the same time we have to reach out to anyone who may feel isolated,” she said
https://www.northjersey.com/news/north-jersey-churches-wary-of-too-much-security-1.1358778
