Church Shootings Force Reckoning Between Faith and Security

By Rev. Dorothy S. Boulware | Word In Black Overview: In the wake of an increase in church shootings, federal government has set aside $400 million to improve security at houses of worship. (WIB) – Rev. Glenn Germany, pastor of Jesus’ Dwelling Place Church in Pittsburgh, was halfway through his sermon last Sunday when a young man in jeans and a black T-shirt, got up from one of the pews and walked to the altar.  Holding a silver handgun, he aimed at the preacher and pulled the trigger. Germany dove behind a wooden lectern, the only cover he could find.  That’s when the gun jammed. As a parishioner tackled the gunman, Germany ran over and wrestled the gun out of his grip and helped hold him until police arrived.& Unfolding on the church’s live webcast, the incident was shocking, but not uncommon. This year alone, armed intruders have opened fire inside several houses of worship, including the Texas megachurch of celebrity pastor Joel Osteen. There, security officers shot and killed a woman who shot and wounded several people, including an 11-year-old boy.& Studies show the number of shootings in houses of worship — fueled by political dissent, personal conflicts, non-specific...