Threats of violence have increasingly given way to actual acts of violence. The risks can be elevated when large gatherings of people congregate to protest a hot button social issue, and the protest turns from peaceful to incendiary. At the other end of the spectrum are situations which can and have recently culminated in a lone wolf or two plotting and executing a deadly rampage with no forewarning.

Is there insurance for catastrophic violence? In recent years some insurance companies have considered providing specific coverage for church insured for catastrophic violence. A couple of insurance companies have actually included this coverage in policies for church insureds. In general terms, Catastrophic Violence Insurance Coverage would apply if two or more people are seriously injured or killed at an insured church location during a church-sponsored event.

If a church is able to buy Catastrophic Violence Coverage, what coverage benefits are available to the insured church?

• Counseling for victims and families
• Group counseling for witnesses and other members of the congregation
• Potential coverage for temporarily relocating the another location/facility
• Hiring security services for a time after the event has occurred
• Lost wage coverage for injured people or those held hostage

What factors can help your church proactively to protect itself from or diminish the chances that acts of catastrophic violence occur?

• Awareness. Be vigilant. Engage members to pay attention to strange activities.
• Evacuation plan. Where possible, plan an exit route in advance of a possible attack.
• Building security. Make sure doors and windows are locked when the building(s) is not in use.

Society and culture are pushing new boundaries of change and openness in many areas. The rapid pace of these movements has frequently resulted in less tolerance for differences in others’ political positions, religious beliefs, and gender orientation. Unfortunately, churches are now a potential location or target of violence. Church leaders and members must recognize this relatively new risk and take reasonable measures to limit the likelihood of catastrophic violence.