Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas called a meeting of the Faith-Based Security Advisory Council, which was created in September 2022, to better assist religious groups across the nation in terms of security and readiness.
“Faith-based institutions are pillars of our communities,” Mayorkas said, according to a press release issued on June 8. “They are vital partners in every aspect of the Department’s mission. I was proud to convene this important group to discuss opportunities for the Department to strengthen our daily work with communities of faith and the public at large.
Mayorkas and Deputy Secretary Tien underscored the Department’s commitment to better assisting religious groups across the nation in terms of security and readiness at the meeting on June 6, the release reported. Members of the FBSAC made recommendations to the Council regarding how DHS might enhance information sharing, broaden the availability of DHS resources and grants, and foster trust and collaborative relationships with faith-based groups, leaders, and communities.
“We are grateful for the recommendations the Council offered, and for its members’ continued service to our country. I look forward to continuing to work together to ensure a safe, secure, and resilient America for all,” Mayorkas said, according to the release.
Three FBSAC subcommittees delivered their draft reports to the Council at the meeting on a number of taskings: The Information Sharing Subcommittee made suggestions on how the Department may support houses of worship, religious communities, and faith-based organizations to improve their security and readiness, according to the release. The DHS can resolve issues faced by faith-based organizations when they apply for funding by following the suggestions made by the Funding and Resources Subcommittee. It may enable local leaders to use DHS resources more effectively by fostering trust with stakeholders in the faith community, according to recommendations made by the Building Trust and Partnerships Subcommittee.
The reports were discussed by the Council after the presentations and were unanimously approved, the release reported. The DHS will examine the findings and decide on an implementation strategy after the Council formally presents the papers to Mayorkas.
He announced the selection of 25 individuals to the reconstituted Faith-Based Security Advisory Council in September 2022, according to the release. President Biden and Mayorkas’ priorities on diversity, equity, and inclusion are reflected in the Council's membership, which includes representatives from the Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh communities as well as law enforcement. This ensures a wide range of diverse voices across various faith traditions.
