October 1, 2025

Dear Friends, 

In the wake of the recent shooting at a church in Grand Blanc, many of us feel grief, fear, and deep unease. It is natural to wonder whether the places where we pray and gather are safe. As your bishop, I want first to honor those feelings and remind you that we bring them before the God who is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

We are also a people of hope and purpose. Our calling as the Episcopal Church is to remain open, welcoming, and courageous, even while taking wise steps to prepare for possible emergencies.  Preparedness is not about giving in to fear; it is about creating the conditions for calm, faithful action when something unexpected happens.

Many are asking whether communities of faith should be locking their doors during worship?  

Part of our witness is that our doors are open to all. We do not want our churches to feel like fortresses; they are houses of prayer for every person. At the same time, love of neighbor includes readiness to act swiftly should danger appear. That means thinking in advance about how people enter and exit, training greeters and ushers to notice when something feels wrong, and knowing how to respond. Our goal is not to shut people out but to keep everyone safe while maintaining the radical hospitality of the Gospel.

The attached Emergency Response Plan was developed by faithful lay and clergy leaders to help congregations prepare for and respond to medical emergencies, severe weather, and acts of violence. Reviewing and practicing this plan will give you and your leaders the confidence to act decisively and compassionately if an emergency arises.

I encourage each congregation to:

• Form or review an Emergency Response Team with clear roles.
• Walk your building: know how to direct people to safety and where help and equipment are located, including the AED.
• Coordinate with local police and fire, share basic floor plans, and invite them for a walkthrough.
• Train ushers, greeters, and other leaders in observation and de-escalation. (The Power of Hello)
• Practice, even briefly, how you would respond to an unexpected threat.

Please know this work is not about living in fear but about living our faith with courage and care. As we pray for those who mourn in Grand Blanc, we also commit to stewarding the safety of the people and places entrusted to us.

May the peace of Christ guard your hearts and minds and make you steadfast in hope.