Because of fears of a copycat attack following the June 12 massacre at an Orlando gay nightclub, San Diego Police had a presence outside the Metropolitan Community Church (MCC) Sunday, June 19 for both services.
Additionally, three members of the Stonewall Citizens Patrol were inside the church during the worship services.
Senior Pastor Dan Koeshall called Councilmember Todd Gloria last week to see if there could be a police presence. The answer was easy: Of course.
“Pastor Dan’s intention was for us to be calming of people’s fears,” said Lee Bowman, the minister of communications for MCC.
“We are presently working on creating a safe environment for people to come to church,” said Bowman.
Bowman said the church board is working with the Stonewall Citizens Patrol to develop a comprehensive emergency action plan.
MCC members saw the police patrol car before they entered the church at 2633 Denver Street and several people said it was reassuring.
Koeshall announced the increased security at the start of both services and thanked both the police officers and citizen patrol volunteers for being there.
