8th Annual Faith-Based Organizations Safety & Security Seminar Welcomes Hundreds of Leaders from Across Massachusetts

Program equips faith-based leaders with tools to address emerging threats, strengthen security, and protect communities across the state

Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble speaks to attendees during the 8th Annual Faith-Based Organizations Safety & Security at Gillette Stadium.

FOXBOROUGH — Today, the Massachusetts State Police and the Commonwealth Fusion Center brought together nearly 400 faith-based, public safety, and community leaders for the 8th Annual Faith-Based Organizations Safety & Security Seminar. The program was created as an extension of Governor Healey’s commitment to address the complex challenges of preventing hate and supporting organizations who provide dedicated space for worship and essential social services.

Hosted by the Kraft Family at Gillette Stadium’s Sports Illustrated Pavilion, the seminar brought together subject matter experts to provide participants with timely information on the evolving threat environment, practical strategies for identifying potential vulnerabilities, and best practices for enhancing physical security. This year’s keynote speaker, Seamus Hughes of the National Counterterrorism Innovation, Technology, and Education Center (NCITE), and other experts presented a variety of best practices on topics including disinformation trends, cybersecurity threats, special events, as well as grant opportunities for non-profits to enhance physical security.

“Every person deserves to feel safe and welcome in their community, and that includes the ability to gather, worship, and have access to vital services without fear,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our Administration is committed to strengthening public safety through collaboration, proactive planning, and ensuring faith-based organizations have the resources and support they need to protect their places of worship and the people they serve.”

“In a time of heightened concern about safety and security, strong partnerships are more important than ever,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By bringing faith leaders and public safety professionals together, this seminar helps build trust, strengthen connections, and prepare our communities to respond to challenges.”

The seminar is an extension of the resources that the Commonwealth Fusion Center and the Massachusetts State Police Hate Crimes Awareness Response Team (HART) provide to community and faith-based groups across the state throughout the year. In addition to security bulletins to raise awareness of current threat trends, members of HART, which was launched by the Healey-Driscoll Administration in November of 2023, routinely collaborate through on-site visits, resource assistance, and assistance in conducting investigations.

Additionally, the Commonwealth Fusion Center staff provided security assessments at faith-based partner locations.

“Protecting our communities requires a coordinated effort across our public safety agencies and strong partnerships with the faith communities we serve,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration remains committed to supporting this important annual program and bringing the full resources of state government to this work – from intelligence sharing and threat prevention to training, emergency response, and security grants. We commend the Massachusetts State Police for their leadership in organizing this summit and their continued work to strengthen relationships with faith-based organizations across the Commonwealth. Through these partnerships, we can ensure that congregations have access to the information, resources, and support they need to prepare for threats and keep their communities safe.”

“Faith-based organizations serve as vital centers of worship, connection and support for residents throughout the Commonwealth,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “Ensuring these spaces remain safe and welcoming requires continued vigilance, preparedness, and strong partnerships between community leaders and local, state, and law enforcement partners.  We are proud to equip faith leaders with vital information as we continue to work together to build safer communities.”

In addition to the annual seminar, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $8.4 million in state and federal grant funds to support nonprofit security so far this year. The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) within EOPSS manages state and federal grant programs that support organizations at risk of hate crimes or terrorist attacks.

“Our agency consistently hears from faith-based organizations how nonprofit security grants have made a measurable difference in their sense of security. These investments are one element of a larger commitment to ensure everyone can gather in faith without fear,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton. “Faith-based and other nonprofit organizations are vital to our communities, and we have a duty to protect them from harm.”

If you have any information about a hate crime or hate incident, please report it to your local police department. If your community needs assistance funding security infrastructure projects or security personnel costs, consider applying for the Federal Nonprofit Security Grant Program, the Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program, or the Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program through OGR.

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