SUBIACO, Ark. — Six religious organizations in Arkansas have been selected to receive Right to Worship Grants (RTWG) to enhance public safety, according to an announcement from the Arkansas State Police (ASP).
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders worked with ASP and the Legislature to make this grant possible. Previously, there was no way to provide these types of grants to religious groups at high risk of terrorist attacks, the release said.
ASP said the Ministry of Public Security's RTWG supports “strengthening physical security in the prevention, defense, preparation and response to terrorist threats and other extremist attacks” and other forms of security.
Governor Sanders said the grant was created for faith groups “in need of protection.” Governor Sanders emphasizes that no one should be “targeted for their faith.”
The six churches receiving safety grants are:
- St. Mary's Catholic Church Hot Springs: $8,065
- Israel Congregation Home: $11,273
- Subiaco Monastery: $30,805
- Agudath Achim Congregation: $43,200
- Lubavitch of Arkansas: $60,000
- Congregation B’nai Israel: $74,449
These Arkansas faith groups have applied for grants and have met all necessary requirements, ASP said. Here are the required requirements depending on the release:
1. Designated as a 501(c)3 organization
2. Received an active terrorist threat and/or extremist attack within the past 12 months.
3. Established risks to the organization
They also must be in Arkansas and the threat has been confirmed by authorities, the release states.
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