Warning to Western churches after al-Qaeda call to attack sacred places

A Christian volunteer network is urging churches to be alert following al-Qaeda’s recent call to Muslims to attack sacred places in the West.

According to a report by ABC News, a new video message released this month showed the American-born al-Qaeda spokesman Adam Gadahn calling upon jihadis in the West to get hold of guns and carry out lone terrorist attacks on institutions and public figures in their home countries.

“What are you waiting for?” said Gadahn, in the first video message to be released after the death of Osama bin Laden and published by Al-Jazeera’s English language channel.

He also stated: "Muslims in the West have to remember that they are perfectly placed to play an important and decisive part in the Jihad against the Zionists and crusaders, and to do major damage to the enemies of Islam, waging war on their religion, sacred places, and things, and brethren.

"This is a golden opportunity and a blessing."

Gadahn does not mention any specific names or targets but appears to focus his call primarily on Muslims living in the US.

The US-based Christian Emergency Network (CEN) is recommending that churches and religious leaders take a look at Gadahn’s message and decide whether they need to take any precautions.

It is encouraging churches to be on the safe side and adopt a ‘ministry continuity plan’ that includes safety and security measures.

Churches are being advised to put in place a trained church emergency team and conduct regular drills with their congregations.

CEN President Mary Marr said: “The video is yet another reminder that it is important to be a ready church – one that is aware of potential threats, prepared to meet them, and ready to give an answer for the hope we have in Jesus Christ, at any moment.”