Catholic churches increase security measures following the reversal of Roe v. Wade
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The Diocese of Colorado Springs instructed the 39 parishes under their care to implement increased safety measures after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Although the diocese is unaware of any direct threats to Colorado Springs parishes, the Bishop is taking precautions based on incidents of targeted violence to parishes across the county because of the Catholic pro-life stance.
"Just watching the news and seeing the general responses to pregnancy centers and other churches, Catholic churches, across the U.S. and the threats that are made to them," said Tom Dickinson, Director of the Office of Child and Youth Protection for the Diocese of Colorado Springs. "There's been you know, damage, property damage, threats of a night of rage, so we take that serious."
The Bishop has made recommendations for safety precautions throughout the 39 parishes, but is encouraging priests to make decisions based on the geographic location of their own parish.
"We give the pastors much latitude because they know their flock, they know their facility, they know if they're in an urban center or if they're in a rural center," said Dickinson.
Some parishioners have expressed concern about the safety of their parish and themselves, but Dickinson said the parishioners share the same concern as the diocese, that is "to protect the sanctity of the Eucharist."
While the Diocese is increasing the measures, they understand that protests will occur.
"The diocese, in my understanding, really has two goals," Dickinson said. "One, to respect those who wish to lawfully protest and two—maintain a peaceful prayerful house of worship. So as long as we can strike that balance, we're happy."
