The Community Action Committee of Rutherford County, in coordination with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations Service in Atlanta, will conduct a free forum on “Protecting Places of Worship” from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 5, at Tucker Theatre on the MTSU campus.

The three-hour program will provide faith-based community leaders and members in the community with information to help them develop and implement security measures, share information and address potential risks, such as active shooter situations. The event will also discuss hate crimes and symbols of hate and include information on additional training that may be available in the area.

Speakers will include federal, state and local law enforcement officials, as well as a panel of various faith-based organizations. The MTSU Police Department is co-hosting the event.

Walter Atkinson, senior conciliation specialist with the DOJ Community Relations Service’s Southeast Region, said the program was created in response to a series of violent acts against houses of worship across the country. It “facilitates dialogue and improves partnerships between law enforcement and faith communities,” he added.

The event is intended for pastors, faith leaders, trustees and the general public. Each organization is encouraged to register up to three members. Space is limited, however, and preregistration is required.

To preregister, visit www.eventbrite.com and search “Protecting Places of Worship Forum” or go to https://bit.ly/2GNNu4v. Doors will open at 3 p.m. Tuesday, and attendees should arrive early, because the forum will start promptly at 4:30 p.m. Organizers stressed that no walk-ins will be allowed.

Tucker Theatre is located inside MTSU’s Boutwell Dramatic Arts Auditorium, 615 Champion Way. A campus map is available at http://tinyurl.com/MTParkingMap.

For more information, contact Rick Rodriguez, Community Action Committee of Rutherford County, at 615-424-0023 or phowth@gmail.com.