Courtesy of Jewish Federation of Cincinnati.
A congregant of St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church listens intently to security training from SAFE Cincinnati
Submitted by Jewish Federation of Cincinnati
The loud clap cut through the sanctuary like a gunshot. As the sound echoed, nearly 50 attendees instantly did what they were trained to do — rushed away from the sound, to safety, protecting themselves from possible harm.
“If you’re paying attention, you can secure yourself and your community and your facility. And that’s where we want everybody to be,” said Mark Dowd, our SAFE Cincinnati Director of Community Security. “The training turned those instincts into readiness.”
The training made one thing clear: preparation matters. But it was about more than just readiness. It was about building a connection.
Houses of worship are meant to be sanctuaries. But today, they are under threat. In 2023, the FBI recorded 2,699 hate crimes against religious communities. More than half targeted Jewish institutions. Christians were the second most targeted group (FBI Hate Crime Statistics, 2023).
These aren’t just numbers. They are warnings. Communities like ours can no longer afford to hope they’ll be safe. We must train to be ready.
The connection between St. Mark Missionary Baptist Church and the Federation began with Debra Miller, a staff member of 25 years who also attends St. Mark. Being presented with an opportunity to share safety training, she immediately made the connection with her church leadership.
“When Sister Miller found out about the training, she let the pastor know, let me know. And then we went forward,” Deacon Staley explained. “The fact that the Jewish community cared enough to reach out to us — that meant something.”
For Deacon Staley, the training wasn’t just about safety. It was about something deeper. “We’re human. We worship the same God.”
That belief in shared humanity guides Rev. Dr. Cecil Ferrell’s congregation. In fact, the Pastor has insisted that St. Mark, for 45 years, be a “learned congregation,” where members are encouraged to come to weekly Bible Study and read the Bible from the Old Testament to the New, seeking deeper understanding.
For many faith leaders, balancing a welcoming environment with safety can feel counterintuitive. And most people would rather not think about what could go wrong.
The training at St. Mark wasn’t just about teaching responses — it was about transforming natural reactions into readiness. As Dowd explained, “The training turned those instincts into readiness.”
Just as Deacon Staley seeks understanding through scripture, the training was about finding clarity in chaos — preparing people to respond with confidence, not just reflex.
The Federation’s decision to provide training to St. Mark was rooted in the public-affairs work done through the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC) and the broader commitment to supporting faith communities facing growing threats.
For Connie Gipson, an usher at St. Mark, the training was about more than safety. “Putting more love out there,” she said, “bridges the gap.”
St. Mark is more prepared. The training gave them more confidence and practical skills. But what it truly built was something even more powerful — a connection.
Because sometimes, what matters most isn’t just preparation — it’s knowing you’re not standing alone.
