Opinion: CT Must Continue to Protect People in Houses of Worship

No one should have to fear for their safety when they worship at their church, synagogue, or mosque. For years, both political parties have agreed with this basic and important concept and have created federal and state programs to fund security upgrades at houses of worship. There have been no political litmus tests to see which organizations get funding. Everyone agreed public safety was more important than politics – until now.

President Trump’s administration has announced that federal funds will no longer help protect houses of worship which “promote DEI” or “operate any program that benefits illegal immigrants.” This reckless decision politicizes public safety and interferes with religious freedom.

Religious leaders from across the nation, including some from Connecticut, sent a letter to the Trump administration protesting the new grant rules. Some rabbis in Connecticut were quoted in the CT Mirror as saying Trump’s actions “goes against our beliefs” and “…does not fit our Jewish values.” CT Jewish leaders denounce new rules for federal security grants

Indeed, in the Book of Proverbs, we are reminded, “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God”.  Then there’s the Book of Matthew, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” President Trump’s decision to withhold funding from congregations which do not contort their faith to his politics should concern every American. It is another example of a federal government that is out of control.

Until Trump’s action can be overturned in court or Congress, Connecticut’s own non-profit security grant program will be even more important. I helped launch this initiative in 2019, along with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Our bipartisan legislation created the state-funded program to work in tandem with the federal version, ensuring there’s a steady and reliable source of funding to help congregations pay for bullet proof glass in their vestibules, security cameras, and other security infrastructure. Unlike the federal government under Trump, our program allocates grants solely on a risk assessment, made by non-partisan officials at the state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

Since 2019, Connecticut’s program has received over 1,000 applications and has awarded grants to 362 organizations, including churches, mosques and synagogues all across Connecticut. Just this year the legislature and State Bond Commission approved an additional $10 million for the program. The current rise in violence fueled by antisemitism, Islamophobia, and xenophobia requires us to get that funding allocated as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Trump’s latest actions may necessitate an even bigger investment from the state. One thing is certain: we cannot sit back and be silent while the Trump administration plays politics with our public safety.