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by Barbara Coward
UMConnection Correspondent

Throughout the Baltimore-Washington Conference, church doors are swinging wide open as part of the national Igniting Ministry campaign to welcome newcomers with 'open minds, open hearts, and open doors.'

But some local churches are facing the challenge of how to literally have 'open doors' in the face of rising crime and vandalism in their communities.

The Rev. Jeffrey Odom, pastor of Bixler's-Miller's Charge knows this dilemma all too well. Both of his country churches experienced incidents of crime this summer.

At the time it was burglarized, Bixler's UMC did not have any locks. They hadn't had them for more than 100 years.

'Ironically, we were going to a church council meeting to discuss the need to lock the doors when we discovered the crime,' said Odom.

Among the missing items was a sound system worth $2,000. That was covered by insurance, but what was heartbreaking was the loss of an item of great sentimental value, an antique clock that had been in the church for a hundred years.

'It can't be replaced,' said Odom. 'One member of our congregation told me that the clock had been there since she was a baby.'

So now the doors to Bixler's UMC have locks for the first time.

Although locks were installed at Miller's UMC more than two years ago, U.S. and Christian flags were stolen outside the church this summer.

The congregations wonder why anyone would commit such crimes. 'I think it is hostility toward God, Christianity or the church,' said Odom.

While churches may be reluctant sometimes to shut their doors on the community, it still is considered an important factor in preventing crime.

'One of the biggest things you can do is to put locks on your doors. Doors are only good if their locks are used,' said Brian Lohr, a crime prevention specialist with the Maryland Community Crime Prevention Institute, a state agency that helps churches and other nonprofits with crime prevention needs.

'It is also important to report suspicious activity and stop something before it happens,' he added. 'If you see a suspicious subject, a trespasser, or have concerns with security, trust your instincts and contact the police.'

Wilson Memorial UMC in Crofton can appreciate these concerns. Last month some donated food that was intended for a food bank was stolen.

'Someone apparently snuck into (the church), hid in the ceiling until worshipers filed out, then walked away with donated food intended for needy families,' said county police in an article in the Capital Gazette newspaper.

Loch Raven UMC in Baltimore has also been a recent victim of theft.

While it may not be first on their list of priorities, churches that want to prevent crime and vandalism need to control the opportunity, said Lohr. 'Most criminals are opportunists. Criminals look for the easiest target to hit.'

Lighting is an inexpensive way to help prevent crime, he suggested.

Many churches in the conference are already employing a number of other safeguards and precautions.

'Our secretary uses an intercom and buzzer system during the day to determine the identity of visitors before allowing them to enter,' said the Rev. Mark Smiley of Hiss UMC in Parkville. 'In the evenings, the church has a staff member who monitors those who enter and leave,' he added.

For churches looking to strengthen their security methods and procedures, one of the best ways to prevent crime is to take advantage of free services offered by the police department, said Lohr.

'Contact your local police department, who can have a security survey done to check lighting, doors, windows, exterior, the interior, procedures and give suggestions,' he recommended.