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Across the United States, thousands of houses of worship have beefed up or requested information about security after the possibility of more terrorist attacks-a matter made more urgent after the U.S. began airstrikes against targets in Afghanistan. In particular, some cathedrals and highly visible megachurches as well as large mosques and synagogues have taken extra precautions.
Washington's National Cathedral has been on high alert since September 11. Captain Vince Scola, who commands the cathedral's police force, has increased the staff. His 17 officers now conduct more physical checks of the building and random checks of backpacks and packages. At special events, they use hand-held metal detectors purchased as a direct result of the assaults on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.
"I hate to admit it, but we can be a potential target just because of what we represent," Scola said. "The National Cathedral is a church for all people. It's a national treasure. We must maintain that thought and be constantly on alert because the best defense is to be on alert." The cathedral averages between 600 and 800 attendees for weekend services but reaches its 3,200-person...