In an era of increasing security challenges, safeguarding places of worship and religious gatherings is more crucial than ever. These sites are not merely physical structures; they are sanctuaries of peace, hope, and unity. They provide communities with a sense of belonging, a space for spiritual reflection, and a foundation for social cohesion. Protecting these sacred spaces means upholding our shared values of respect and understanding.
This is precisely the mission of SPIRIT - Synergies to Protect Places of Worship and Religious Gatherings, an EU-funded initiative dedicated to enhancing security, resilience, and collaboration across Europe. By bringing together security professionals, religious leaders, policymakers, and law enforcement agencies, SPIRIT is fostering a comprehensive approach to protecting sacred spaces and strengthening social unity.
While SPIRIT primarily focuses on the security of places of worship, its mission touches on broader themes of diversity and inclusion, echoing the sentiments expressed by the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR). On August 22, 2024, ODIHR Director Matteo Mecacci emphasized, "Safeguarding the right to freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief protects the inherent dignity of every individual and at the same time helps to build more tolerant and inclusive societies, reducing tensions and allowing our diverse communities to exist together." (OSCE) In a society that is becoming more and more diverse, true security means more than just physical protection—it means creating an environment where people feel safe in their differences. Protecting places of worship is not just about shielding buildings; it is about safeguarding the right to believe, to gather, and to express identity without fear. These spaces serve as essential sanctuaries where individuals find peace, strength, and community. By ensuring their safety, we reinforce the fundamental principle that diversity should be embraced, not threatened.
A Year of Progress: Key Achievements
Since its launch, the SPIRIT project has made significant strides in the protection of places of worship. Its second cycle has been successfully completed, engaging key stakeholders through Training Tabletop Exercises (TTX) in Athens, Barcelona, and Rome. These exercises provided hands-on training, improved security protocols, and facilitated knowledge exchange among leading experts in the field.
Beyond training, SPIRIT has actively participated in major European conferences, such as the EU Forum on the Protection of Public Spaces and the Thessaloniki Conference on Religion and Security. These events have allowed SPIRIT to showcase best practices, strengthen partnerships, and foster dialogue between policymakers and security experts.
The project has also gained international media presence, with coverage in Security Manager, Greece's largest security industry magazine, and numerous Italian newspapers reporting on the final TTX event in Rome. This media exposure underscores the project's growing impact and reinforces its commitment to creating safer environments for all religious communities.
What's Next?
As the SPIRIT project moves into its next phase, final tests are being prepared for the SPIRIT Platform—an innovative digital tool aimed at strengthening the security of places of worship. This platform integrates advanced risk assessment methodologies with real-time crisis response strategies, enabling religious communities, security professionals, and policymakers to better anticipate and mitigate potential threats.
Additionally, SPIRIT is expanding its collaborative network with the formation of the Secure Worship & Public Spaces Cluster, in partnership with projects like SAFE-Cities, PROTONE, PRECRISIS, IMPRESS, HECTOR SHRINES, and PROTECTOR. This growing network fosters innovation, promotes policy alignment, and strengthens collective responses to security challenges.
Join the Network: How You Can Get Involved?
The SPIRIT project is more than just a research initiative; it's a movement dedicated to ensuring the safety of places of worship across Europe. We invite security experts, policymakers, researchers, and religious organizations to be part of this vital mission.
- Subscribe to Our Newsletter – Stay informed about the latest developments, research, and upcoming events.
- Follow Us on LinkedIn and Twitter – Engage with our community and contribute to key conversations.
- Participate in Our Webinars – This February, SPIRIT is launching a three-part webinar series on prevention, crisis response, and long-term security strategies.
- Collaborate with Us – If your project aligns with our mission, we are open to strategic partnerships to enhance security efforts across Europe.
Stay tuned on our platforms to find all the information about our SPIRIT final event, happening in Brussels in April 2025.
For inquiries and collaboration opportunities, contact SPIRIT Communication Managers anna.pomortseva@eos-eu.com, guillaume.brumter@eos-eu.com, daniela.versteeg@eos-eu.com or visit SPIRIT-ISF.eu.
