CLERICS from a number of denominations will receive tips on fire safety, as well as church and personal security, today.
More than 100 priests, ministers, wardens and other church officials are expected to attend the safety and security seminar, which takes place at Ushaw College, a Roman Catholic seminary, near Durham City.
The seminar is being staged in response to a police survey which revealed that nearly one-third of responding clergy had suffered physical or verbal attacks within the past five years.
Nearly half of all priests and ministers who replied to the questionnaire, said they had also suffered break-ins or vandalism at their place of worship.
Durham's Chief Constable, George Hedges, and the county's Chief Fire Officer, George Herbert, are among the speakers at the event, which will be attended by the Bishop of Durham, the Right Reverend Michael Turnbull.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article