Almost every church, whether it is located in an urban, suburban or rural setting, has legitimate security concerns. Murder on church property is increasing. In Jackson, Mississippi, Central Presbyterian voted to close its 99-year location after one of its staff members was murdered. Parkway Baptist, also of Jackson, sold its facility and relocated after a young girl was murdered on their property. In Los Angeles, a nun was strangled in the church garden.
Robbery even occurs during church services.
In Nashville, Tenn., the Riverside Baptist Church had an evening church service disrupted when an intruder entered the church doors, grabbed the pastor's wife, and held a knife to her throat while demanding the wallets and jewelry from all in attendance. Rape also occurs on church property. In south-central Mississippi a church secretary for a rural congregation was robbed and raped in her office while the pastor was out. In Owensboro, Ky., a woman was beaten and raped at a local Catholic church. Burglary is the most frequent church crime, but fortunately it does not present an immediate threat to worshippers.