TY - JOUR
T1 - Profane Concerns in Sacred Spaces
T2 - The Challenges and Consequences of Implementing Security Measures in Religious Congregations
AU - Scheitle, Christopher P.
AU - Ulmer, Jeffery T.
N1 - Funding Information:
This research was supported by grants from the National Science Foundation (Awards 1349738 & #1349728).
PY - 2018/1/2
Y1 - 2018/1/2
N2 - Religious congregations represent a target for both street and bias-motivated crimes. Addressing these risks presents a challenge, as security measures could undermine the intended social reality of the congregation. Utilizing 52 interviews with places of worship representing a variety of religious traditions, we examine how congregations balance crime concerns with their organizational mission and identity. Our interviews show that congregations are aware that their goal of being an open and welcoming member of the community also brings with it vulnerabilities. Taking security steps, though, comes with consequences for the congregation's relationship to attendees and its identity and mission.
AB - Religious congregations represent a target for both street and bias-motivated crimes. Addressing these risks presents a challenge, as security measures could undermine the intended social reality of the congregation. Utilizing 52 interviews with places of worship representing a variety of religious traditions, we examine how congregations balance crime concerns with their organizational mission and identity. Our interviews show that congregations are aware that their goal of being an open and welcoming member of the community also brings with it vulnerabilities. Taking security steps, though, comes with consequences for the congregation's relationship to attendees and its identity and mission.
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U2 - 10.1080/19361610.2018.1387736
DO - 10.1080/19361610.2018.1387736
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:85038927669
SN - 1936-1610
VL - 13
SP - 29
EP - 44
JO - Journal of Applied Security Research
JF - Journal of Applied Security Research
IS - 1
ER -