SASCE, Safer And Stronger Communities in Europe, is a multi-layered project designed to enhance security in and around places of worship while fostering cooperation among Christian, Buddhist, Muslim, and Jewish communities. Building on the European Commission’s recommended good practices for the protection of public spaces and leveraging the expertise of well-organized communities and security groups the project develops practical security tools, provides targeted training and communications, and implements technology solutions to achieve a high level of protection for EU citizens in full cooperation with authorities across Europe.
Building on the networks and partnerships established, SASCE addresses current and emerging threats, responding to the ongoing surge of violent attacks on places of worship.
It also aims to create resilient communities by empowering members to support one another’s safety and security. Through a network of ambassadors, specialized trainings, conferences, and workshops, SASCE enhanced protection for at least 127 places of worship across 16 EU Member States.
Since April 2021 and until June 2023, the SASCE – Safer And Stronger Communities in Europe project, funded by the European Union’s Internal Security Fund – Police, has operated across 15 European countries. SACC by EJC is the Lead Coordinator of this project.
SASCE is unique as the first interfaith security project of its kind. Its Partners include the SACC by EJC, the Conference of European Churches, the European Buddhist Union, and Faith Matters Europe. Together, the project assessed and advised faith institutions on external and internal risks, including extremist threats, risks to faith leaders from congregants with acute emotional or mental health issues, and theft or property risks, helping communities become more resilient and secure.
Since March 2025, we have launched the next phase, SASCE 2, funded by the European Union, which will run for three years across 16 countries.
SACC by EJC is also the Lead Coordinator of SASCE 2.
