Security training for religious clergy and congregants in Suffolk County

BRENTWOOD, N.Y. (WABC) -- The gun massacre in a South Carolina church has sparked worries about security in churches of all religions.

On Long Island, security training for clergy and their congregants was held.

It was something most never thought they'd have to do.

"Have a plan A and have a plan B; how to get out of there. Seconds matter when something happens," an official said.

Suffolk County officials Thursday night hosted a security training workshop.

A packed room of clergy members listened to experts in Brentwood, this in response to the fatal church shootings in Charleston, South Carolina.

"The Charleston shooting has changed the equation, this is something many of us thought just could not happen or would happen," said Jonathan Ivanhoff, a pastor.

"Churches and houses of worship are sanctuaries and it should be the last place that we have to talk about security," said Det. Lt. Robert Donohue, of the Suffolk County Police.

The Suffolk County executive along with Suffolk County Police gave prevention tools and security measures that should be put in place at houses of worship, giving examples and statistics that could save lives.

"Tonight they gave some good safety procedures on what to do, how to prevent, things that would help, lighting, cameras, phones, and different things," said Raphael Jefferson, a pastor.

"We're taught to be welcoming, we're taught to be open to people, don't like to think that someone coming in might want to do harm to the congregation. We look at people with an open heart and an open mind, now we're looking at people with a question first and that's uncomfortable," said Diane de Blasio, a deacon at Saint Bonobos Ep," said Diane de Blasio, a deacon at Saint Bonobos Episcopal Church.