UK churches'alert,not alarmed' after Catholic priest is killed in France.read more.

UK churches 'alert, not alarmed' after Catholic
priest is killed in France
Places of worship stay open but are advised to
review security and increase vigilance after death
of Father Jacques Hamel
A service at St Mary’s Church, Tenbury Wells.
Photograph: Karen Robinson for the Observer
Harriet Sherwood Religion correspondent and
Vikram Dodd in London
Wednesday 27 July 2016 15.01 BST
Last modified on Wednesday 27 July 2016 15.08
BST
Churches in the UK will remain open to all
despite the murder of a Catholic priest during
morning prayers in northern France on Tuesday.
Anti-terrorism police have warned churches to be
on alert, while saying they have no specific
intelligence relating to attacks on Christians in
the UK.
Bernard Longley, the Catholic archbishop of
Birmingham, said that although there was always
a need to be vigilant, church doors would remain
open.
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“There is a need for vigilance and attentiveness
wherever people gather together. We are alert,
but not alarmed. Churches are places of
sanctuary and in this [Jubilee] Year of Mercy,
Pope Francis has emphasised that doors must
remain open, to enable people to experience
God’s mercy.
“Our greatest security lies in building upon the
friendships which we already have between our
faith communities and working together for unity
and peace,” Longley said.
But Father Patrick Brennan, a Catholic priest in
Birmingham, tweeted: “I think we are going to
review our security in the presbytery and church
over next few days. #staysafe.” He declined to
elaborate when contacted by the Guardian.
— Fr. Patrick Brennan (@Pathound)
July 27, 2016
I think we are going to review our security in
the presbytery and church over next few days.
#staysafe
In a statement, the Church of England said:
“Church buildings are public buildings that are
open to all. Where there are known risks,
churches take measures to ensure the safety
and security of worshippers and visitors.”